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Parents, alumni press board for timeline and funding for St. Augustine High School auditorium renovation
Summary
Speakers representing the St. Johns County Center for the Arts said a promised auditorium renovation has stalled since September 2023; they asked the board for a named contact, confirmation funds are committed and relocation support if work isn't completed before the 2025–26 season.
Two speakers representing the St. Johns County Center for the Arts (SJCCA) urged the school board to deliver a firm timeline and funding for a long‑promised renovation of the St. Augustine High School auditorium, saying the facility is unsafe and already disrupting student performances.
Joellen Parkey, who identified herself as a parent and advocate for St. Augustine High School, said the auditorium’s air conditioning, lights and sound system are failing and that the project was approved in September 2023 with funding “earmarked.” “The auditorium at our school needs all new equipment. You have known this for years… You should be ashamed that you are going back on your word,” Parkey said.
Janice Jones, a St. Augustine High graduate and parent, told the board the auditorium is the district’s only stage supporting the audition-based district arts program and described recent performances in which guests “sat sweating in a hot auditorium while talented students battled mic dropouts and lighting failures.” Jones said the program expects a full schedule next school year and that moving district events requires early coordination and funds the school does not have.
During board closing comments, Dr. Thompson, who represents the affected school area, said he would “work with the district and make sure that parents have the reassurances that they asked for tonight, a timeline, a plan that it's really going to happen.” Superintendent Forsen said he would follow up and provide a clear timeline for the community.
Both public commenters asked three specific questions: who is the district contact for the project, whether the funding is officially committed, and what the firm timeline for completion is. They also asked whether the district will provide financial and logistical support to relocate events if the renovation is not completed in time for the 2025–26 school year.
The board did not provide a timeline at the meeting but directed staff and the superintendent to follow up with details and a plan.
