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Duval County Public Schools discussing nearly $2 billion building plan

DCPS announced that they are seeking community feedback on a $1.95 billion plan to build 30 new schools, and consolidate 17 schools, which could result in some schools being renovated or demolished.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The first of many meetings discussing a plan to build 30 new schools is being held Monday following Spring Break.

Seventeen consolidations could impact 42 schools, but which schools would be impacted is unknown.

A parent living in the Arlington area feels this could be a welcome change for nearby schools.

Sarah Carroll is a Douglas Anderson School of the Arts graduate.

She took her son out of Parkwood Heights Elementary and enrolled him in Coastal Academy charter school. Her reasons why are her son's ADHD, lack of one-on-one attention and she felt the school aged poorly.

"It's definitely different, it kind of seemed like the school he went to before was very much like the one I went to when I was a child," she said.

The school district says most schools are over 50 years old which is why consultants created a plan for 30 new schools and 17 consolidations.

The plan’s projected cost is $1.95 billion which covers new construction costs and renovations.

The plan removes over 1 billion already backlogged for repairs.

It also includes security upgrades at all schools and removal of the majority of portables from schools across the district.

The plan cuts more than 5,000 student seats from the district’s inventory and improving the district’s facility utilization rate.

It is unknown which schools would be impacted, but Duval County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Diana Greene says better schools means success for students and faculty.

"They need to focus on teaching and learning, and by having facilities in the 21st century, they can do just that," she said.

As an Arlington resident, Carroll feels her nearby public schools could use an upgrade.

"Some of the established elementary and middle schools could use, if not a demolishing or renovation, they could use some TLC," Carroll said.

Details on the plan and dates for future meetings can be found on the Duval County Public Schools website.

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