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Board reviews capital plan options for Callahan, Yulee and Fernandina Beach ahead of millage vote
Summary
After millage discussion, the board discussed possible capital projects — rebuilding or expanding Callahan Elementary and Intermediate, a Chester‑site school for Wildlight growth, and renovations at Fernandina Beach Middle — and asked staff to return cost estimates and financing options before a vote.
The Nassau County School Board used part of its millage workshop to revisit capital projects that would be funded or supported by the proposed millage and other capital sources.
Staff said the district needs a capital plan that addresses aging campuses and enrollment growth. Options discussed included expanding Callahan Intermediate or building a new Callahan Elementary, constructing a new school on the Chester site to serve Wildlight growth, and renovating Fernandina Beach Middle School’s cafeteria, media center and key infrastructure. Staff described multi‑year timelines: planning and design followed by contractor buildout, with a minimum of two years to open a new facility if the board approves moving forward.
Why it matters: The board must decide whether to include capital projects in any millage‑driven financing plan and how to phase work across the county. Members told staff they want total project cost estimates before placing projects on an agenda.
Board questions focused on traffic and site suitability (particularly for Callahan), possible zoning and attendance‑zone changes for Yulee, whether projects could be financed through bonding, and how carryforward balances or fluctuating property values might affect allocations. Ford & Associates — the district’s financing partner — was identified as a consultant that could structure bonds or other financing; staff said bonding typically favors a major first project and can still cover renovation work.
Next steps: Staff will prepare cost estimates and scenarios with Ford & Associates and return to the board with financing options and community‑engagement plans; community meetings were proposed to follow any board vote and to explain project specifics to affected neighborhoods.
