Magnet parents warn proposed end to district transportation would reduce access; offer hub and partnership options
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Summary
A Duval County parent and magnet advocate told the board the district’s proposal to eliminate magnet transportation by 2026–27 would reduce accessibility and equity; he proposed hub-based routes, parent-paid options and transit partnerships as alternatives.
Andre Higgins, a parent and magnet advocate, urged the Duval County School Board on Jan. 7 to preserve transportation for magnet programs and proposed practical alternatives if district finances require changes.
Why it matters: Duval County’s magnet programs are designed to provide choice and specialized opportunities; Higgins argued that cutting district-sponsored transportation would make many magnet seats inaccessible to families who rely on school-provided transit and thus could shrink enrollment and program equity.
What he proposed
- Higgins recommended a hub-based transportation model to streamline routes and reduce cost; offering parent-paid transportation options for families that can contribute; and partnering with local transit agencies to share responsibility for certain routes.
- He framed the changes as fiscal but strategic, saying: “Transportation isn't just a logistical necessity. It's a strategic investment in the long term success of our district.”
Record and next steps
The board did not vote on magnet transportation at the Jan. 7 meeting. Higgins requested that the board weigh program accessibility and consider his proposed cost-saving alternatives as the district examines transportation options for future school years.