“It’s more than just a building, it’s our heart and our soul. We’re a formidable force here and we’re a force to be reckoned with.” -Commissioner Jessica Ring said
ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. — It’s been almost a week since Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) announced a proposal that could potentially close at least 10 schools in the district, one of those schools being Atlantic Beach Elementary.
On Monday night, Atlantic Beach commissioners held a meeting and a big item on their agenda was a resolution requesting DCPS keep the elementary school open.
Commissioners unanimously passed the resolution, but prior to voting, the group heard from mayors current and former, residents, parents and even current students.
A sea of pink filled seats and overflowed throughout Atlantic Beach City Hall as concerned residents expressed to commissioners why they wanted this resolution signed.
“We can’t imagine this community without our local elementary school,” said Kymberly Wolfson, a resident.
“I just think it’s important for the community to come together when we really want something and I think community involvement shows our leaders what we really care about,” Christina Kelcourse, a mother of three students at Atlantic Beach Elementary added.
Former Atlantic Beach Mayor Suzanne Shaugnessy said she “never even imagined something like this could actually be proposed.”
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan came to show her support.
“It seems extraordinarily unlikely that this school would ever make it onto some list that would be seriously considered for closure, simply because it is so well supported by the community, it is so well attended, it is an ‘A’ school, it is a staple of Atlantic Beach,” said Deegan.
Deegan said she can’t guarantee the school won’t come off the list, but wants everyone to keep doing what they’re doing.
“Our job is to keep fighting, I won’t let up for a second,” Jacksonville City Councilman Rory Diamond said. “I will fight with you every second of every day to keep our little pink school open, I absolutely will.”
With no changes being made at this time, residents and commissioners explained how this resolution passing is still a step in the right direction.
“It’s more than just a building, it’s our heart and our soul,” Commissioner Jessica Ring said. “We’re a formidable force here and we’re a force to be reckoned with.”
Commissioner Bruce Bole said: “I urge that we put a light on their decision process and every one of their meetings, and we follow that tree down to where they make a decision and that’s key.”
Community members will have more discussion on this topic on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church.
