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School board approves boundary changes tied to two elementary consolidations; public raises ACE process concerns
Summary
The board approved attendance boundary adjustments related to planned consolidations of Hidden Oaks and Hyde Grove elementary schools, moves supporters say will improve building utilization; parents and commenters urged the district to revise its ACE engagement process.
The Duval County School Board on Aug. 5 approved attendance boundary changes for multiple elementary schools to implement planned consolidations beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The motion, moved by Vice Chair Carney and seconded by Board Member Balduke, passed 6-1.
Superintendent Chris Bernier told the board the changes stem from previously approved consolidations: Hidden Oaks into Cedar Hills and Highgrove into Hyde Park. He said the boundary adjustments aim to rebalance enrollments and reduce the number of underused school buildings: "The recommendation tonight ... places the utilization at Cedar Hills which was over its capacity at 86%. Jack's Heights also moves from 53% to 61% utilization," Bernier said; for Hyde Park and Ramona he said the plan would move Hyde Park to 94% and raise Ramona from 59% to 85%.
Why it matters: Board policy and the district's master facilities plan called for the district to study consolidation options for underutilized schools. The boundary changes affect Cedar Hills, Hidden Oaks, Hyde Park, Hyde Grove, Jacksonville Heights, Timucuan, Ramona Boulevard and Ruth Epps elementary schools and prepare the district for the closures set in the facilities plan.
Public comment: Two speakers in the public hearing urged the board to examine the ACE (Academic and Community Engagement) process used to solicit input. Tiffany Clark said ACE meetings sometimes have low attendance and questioned whether the meetings accurately represent the broader school community. Yasmina White, commenting later in public hearings, called the ACE materials "ambiguous and confusing" and said meeting notes "don't even look like members from the community are even there besides district staff."
Board discussion and vote: Board members said the decisions were difficult but necessary to improve utilization and provide stronger programmatic offerings in larger, better-resourced buildings. Board Member Willie urged a future workshop on the ACE process to make public engagement more effective. The motion passed 6-1.
