JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The city of Jacksonville is rallying against potential funding cuts to popular acceleration programs, including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Dual Enrollment. Two city council members are introducing a resolution to oppose these cuts, which could significantly impact local students.
On Monday afternoon, a group of more than 20 Duval County students gathered at City Hall to voice their concerns during a Rules Committee meeting. They were led by Kaden Young, a former intern of Councilman Matt Carlucci. Young emphasized the importance of these programs for students’ futures.
“I’m not here as just a student before you, but as a young person fighting for a future that seems to me that’s slipping away,” Young said.
The students asked the council to draft a resolution opposing state funding cuts tied to enate Bill 2510 and House Bill 5101, now substituted by Senate Bill 7030, which could cost Duval County Schools an estimated $8 million. Young shared how these programs have shaped his life.
“These programs aren’t just nice to have; they’re lifelines,” he said. “They’ve taught me how to think. They’ve taught me how to lead, how to believe my future could be something bigger than I ever could dream. Council members, you have the power to act. You are the voice of the city, and we need you to speak for us.”
Typically, the Rules Committee does not allow public comment on topics not on the agenda. However, Chairman Councilman Nick Howland made an exception for the students. Carlucci and Councilman Jimmy Peluso have already drafted a resolution to oppose the funding cuts.
“What really hits me is the loss of opportunity,” Carlucci said. “A lot of these kids need this opportunity to be able to afford the IB programs and the AP programs. If they get extra credits, it might save them as much as three quarters or a year of college.”
While the resolution, if passed, will not be binding, it will send a strong message to lawmakers in Tallahassee about the council’s stance against the cuts.
“The students are the ones who can really make the big change, and this gives them a platform to speak up about it,” Carlucci added.
Another student, Gabriel Merchant, expressed the importance of these programs for personal growth.
“Programs like IB and AP give students like us a chance to challenge ourselves, to think critically and prepare for college and beyond,” he said. “These courses aren’t just harder classes; they help us as students grow.”
Tristan Rodriguez, also a DCPS student, urged the council to consider the long-term effects of the funding cuts.
“Don’t stop the classes of 2026 and beyond from reaching for a better future,” he said. “Oppose Senate Bill 7030 and take a stand for the dream upon which this great nation was built.”
The council is set to vote on the resolution at its next meeting on Tuesday. If it passes, it will be sent to Tallahassee, where lawmakers will consider the implications of the proposed funding cuts.
