School Board considers consolidation of Don Brewer and Merrill Road Elementary amid safety concerns

In a packed room filled with concerned parents and educators, the Duval County School Board convened on October 29, 2024, to discuss the proposed consolidation of Don Brewer Elementary and Merrill Road Elementary Schools. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as community members voiced their apprehensions about the potential merger, emphasizing safety, traffic issues, and the impact on students.

Superintendent Dr. Pernier opened the meeting by outlining the rationale behind the consolidation, which aims to streamline resources and improve educational opportunities across the district. He assured attendees that existing programs would remain intact, even if schools were merged. However, many parents were skeptical, fearing that the consolidation would lead to overcrowded classrooms and diminished educational quality.

Tamika Fitzpatrick, a parent of a Merrill Road student, raised urgent concerns about traffic patterns near the school, highlighting the dangers posed by increased congestion. "We need a professional traffic assessment," she urged, pointing out that the current situation is already chaotic, with parents often dropping off children in unsafe areas. Her sentiments were echoed by several others, including William Coats, who stressed the importance of understanding the "story behind the numbers" when making decisions that affect children's safety.

As the public hearing progressed, voices of opposition grew louder. Angela Riley Maxwell presented a petition with over 400 signatures against the merger, expressing frustration over the lack of communication from the school board regarding the decision-making process. "We were unaware of the meetings that were taking place during the summer," she lamented, calling for more transparency and time for community input.

Teachers also weighed in, with many advocating for the preservation of Don Brewer's facilities, which they argued are better suited for a larger student body. Tracy Odems, a teacher at Don Brewer, suggested that if a merger were necessary, it might be more beneficial to combine Merrill Road into Don Brewer, given the latter's readiness for a larger population.

The meeting highlighted a deep-seated concern among parents and educators about the implications of the proposed consolidation. Many argued that the unique identities and strengths of both schools should be preserved, rather than forcing a merger that could compromise educational quality and student safety. As the board prepares to make a decision, the community remains vigilant, hoping their voices will be heard in the ongoing discussions about the future of their schools.