Duval County School Board approves amended five‑year capital plan after heated debate over possible school closures

The Duval County School Board on the evening of the meeting approved an amended five‑year capital plan, with the motion passing in a 6–1 hand vote after more than two hours of public comment and board discussion. The plan sets funding allocations for years 1 through 5 and lists additional projects for years 6–15, subject to annual review.

Superintendent Dr. Bernier framed the vote as a budget and funding action, not an immediate step to close schools: “The recommendation is that the Duval County School Board approve the amended school district 5 year capital plan as required by section 1013.35, Florida Statutes.” He reiterated that closures and consolidations require a three‑pronged process—community meetings, a public hearing and then a board vote—and said the board would follow policy before taking any such action.

The vote came after extensive community testimony and a long board exchange about process and equity. Dr. Coker, the lone no vote, said she could not back the item because she had concerns about the accuracy of materials and perceived procedural gaps: “I...cannot vote for an agenda item because I have concerns about some of the materials and accuracy of materials that have been given to us, over time.” Supporters, including Board Member Jones, said delaying the capital plan would prolong uncertainty for staff and families and argued the board must act to address budget pressures and begin prioritizing projects.

The administration told the board the district faces a substantial operational shortfall next year — described during the meeting as in excess of $100,000,000 — and that consolidations and other measures are part of the tools under consideration to right‑size operations. The superintendent estimated that potential annual savings from implementing consolidations could range roughly between $8,000,000 and $10,000,000, though he said final savings depend on which schools, if any, are ultimately consolidated.

The approved plan includes a project reserve (about $29,000,000), and staff noted an additional $42,000,000 in ongoing project dollars tied to projects that are not yet fully paid. Board members emphasized the plan will be revisited annually and that any closure or boundary changes will proceed through the public engagement steps outlined in board policy.

What happens next: the superintendent said staff will continue community engagement; any school consolidation proposal requires community meetings, then a public hearing and a board vote. The board also scheduled follow‑up work on enrollment, facility index scores and year‑by‑year allocations as required by policy.