JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County School Board members are holding a workshop on Wednesday to learn more about a possible move for the district’s headquarters.
The board won’t make any final decisions, but should get a better understanding of what’s involved in the sale of the valuable Southbank riverfront property where the headquarters now sits.
The district is also looking at buying a new building in Baymeadows for about $14 million. Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier is working on contract negotiations for that purchase.
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Bernier said the board directed him more than a year ago to explore relocation options to open the riverfront for future development.
While the district considers the Baymeadows location, the Southbank property has attracted significant interest.
A nonprofit called Fleet Landing has offered $20 million to buy the site and turn it into a retirement community. According to DCPS, Fleet Landing was selected from among 10 bidders during an open sale.
Board members are scheduled to vote on the headquarters sale during their regular meeting on Oct. 7, but some board members and community members question whether a retirement community is the best use of the land — and whether the sale would benefit downtown Jacksonville.
“I have concerns with the purchaser’s nonprofit status and the potential impact on property tax revenue,” said District 3 board member Cindy Pearson. “If the purchaser isn’t paying full property tax, what does that mean for downtown development — and what’s the benefit to the community?”
The move has sparked debate among board members and the public, with some raising concerns about the process and its impact on accessibility.
“I think there are a number of folks who work in this building who either ride the Skyway or take an Uber here,” said District 4 board member Darryl Willie. “A transition of commute for them is going to be doubled, if not triple what it is.”
Willie, who was the lone no vote on moving forward with contract negotiations, added that he feels the process is being rushed.