Duval County School District wants input on improvements to some schools

The Duval County School District wants your input on upgrading and improving some of the oldest schools in the state.

Action News Jax first reported last month it would take more than $1 billion to fix dozens of schools in poor and very poor condition.

It’s an old school. And it’s one of three in Duval County needing the most work. Amanda Crews said Annie R. Morgan could use some love and care.

"I went here, my dad went here, my son goes here now.  Just needs some TLC, little TLC,"
said Amanda Crews, a parent.

The district recently hired a contractor to look at all 157 schools who then estimated the repair cost for the next five years. According to this report, the majority of the schools scored below average or in poor condition. Picket Elementary is listed as the school that needs the most work. It was built 60 years ago.

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“Every school has some level of need within the report,” said Don Nelson, assistant superintendent of operations.

Nelson said while every school needs some kind of work, all of the schools are safe, but some have older, outdated components.

“Generally our roofing needs are great and also windows and air conditioning,” he said.

The first meeting to talk about some of the repairs is District 1; with school board member Cheryl Grymes. It starts at 6 p.m. at Loretta Elementary. The rest of the meetings will follow in the coming weeks.

The district said the contractor will give its recommendations this spring.

Cox Media Group