School board chair: Changing education landscape requires public schools to adapt, innovate
By Jennifer Logue In an era of school choice and new technologies, public schools are going to have to adapt, innovate and start marketing themselves to keep students enrolled and engaged, the chairman of the Duval County School Board said. At an Aug. 13 meeting of the Jacksonville Business Professionals, School Board Chair Darryl Willie […]
School board considers revised facility plan
Latest plan keeps Fishweir, Stockton schools open, but more revisions are expected By Michele Leivas Fishweir and John Stockton elementary schools would remain open under a revised Master Facility Plan (MFP) proposal, but further revisions to the Duval County Public Schools plan are expected. Presented at an Aug. 15 school board workshop, the revised MFP […]
DCPS reassigns principals amid ongoing concerns for student safety
Koek to lead Riverside High Students returning to Riverside High School Aug. 12 will be greeted by a new principal this year, as the Duval County Public Schools shifts administrators among schools amid a renewed focus on student safety. Former Mayport Middle School Principal Chris Koek has assumed leadership of Riverside High, succeeding Timothy Feagins, […]
Traffic, transportation issues concern families facing possible school closures
When Laura Bearl and her husband moved their family to the Fishweir neighborhood, it was specifically so their children would have just a five-minute walk to the highly rated elementary school. Under Duval County Public Schools’ (DCPS) current Master Facility Plan proposal, however, that 5-minute walk would become roughly 40 minutes if Fishweir Elementary School […]
DCPS policy change leaves some students ineligible for bus transportation
Duval County middle and high school students living less than two miles from their assigned neighborhood school are no longer eligible for bus transportation, according to an updated Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) board policy. The permissible distance from a school bus stop to a student’s primary residence has also been extended by a half […]
School Board District 5 candidates sit down for parent-led interview
Potential school closings, student safety and school vouchers were among the issues candidates discussed at a recent School Board District 5 candidate meet and greet held at a July 20 candidate event at Myrle Ave. Brewing. Organized by the Save Historic Schools Coalition, the event gave families the opportunity to meet and mingle with the […]
Summer enrichment: CAP field trip initiative provides art, cultural connections
More than 80 students from West Riverside Elementary School are experiencing Jacksonville’s art and culture scene during their summer vacation thanks to a field trip initiative from the Cathedral Arts Project (CAP) in collaboration with other community and cultural organizations. Launched June 11 and running through July 18, the program provides free arts and cultural […]
DCPS Roundup: Public Forums, Board Elections, New Superintendent
Six public forums remain for families to learn more about the Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) Master Facility Plan (MFP) proposal, ask questions and share feedback. In a May 17 interview, DCPS Board Chairman Darryl Willie said the board hopes these forums will see a “critical mass” of attendance. “We hope that we’ll get a […]
