Failing Schools Face Challenging School Year

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Classes get underway in Duval County on Monday with four schools being closely scrutinized by the state; they could be closed if progress isn't made.

Based on Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test scores, Ribault, Raines and Jackson High Schools, along with North Shore K-8, are being challenged to do better than "F" work.

This summer, 544 students from across the city transferred from failing schools to schools with better grades. Opportunity scholarships afford students from failing schools the opportunity to change schools.

Raines High School and Ribault High School combined lost almost 400 students.

Raines principal George Maxey is new at the helm and is excited to be part of the team challenged to improve the school's grade.

On Saturday, Maxey, along with school alumni, will visit neighborhoods near Raines to contact families and encourage them to reconsider their decision to transfer out of Raines.

Maxey says Raines has 17 new staff members as part of reorganization, which represents a fourth of the school's staff.

Changes are in store for Raines as well as at nearby Ribault High School.

Both principals say they see opportunities to improve student performance.

"Our children will be given clear book bags with school supplies already in them," said Maxey.

Maxey and James Young, who is the new principal at Ribault High, say their schools will no longer be using lockers and students will be monitored so they make it to class on time.

Young says at Ribault an extra emphasis will also be placed on reading.

Classes in Duval County start on Monday with the high school and middle school day being shortened this year to accommodate budget cuts.

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