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The Duval County Public Schools board has decided to part ways with its district headquarters on Prudential Drive, opting instead for a fresh start at a new site on Prominence Parkway in the Baymeadows area.
In a closely contested decision, the board voted 4-3 on Tuesday evening to sell the existing Southbank property and proceed with the acquisition of a new location conveniently situated near I-95 and Baymeadows.
Interestingly, just a month ago, the board had unanimously rejected both the sale and purchase proposals. However, faced with revised offers, board members found the new terms more appealing.
Ultimately, the board sanctioned the sale of the Southbank headquarters for $17.2 million to Chase Properties, Inc., marking a significant shift in their real estate strategy.
This time, the board approved the sale of the Southbank location for $17.2 million to Chase Properties, Inc.
Then they went on to approve the purchase of a new central office at 8928 Prominence Parkway, a site that can hold over 900 district staff members.
Both items were discussed by school leaders for nearly an hour. The four board members who voted in favor said this is necessary, both financially and strategically.
“It is my fear that if we do not start disposing of property, we’re not going to have any leverage with the legislature,” said Vice Chair April Carney.
“I feel like we have landed in a really good spot. I’m very happy with the offer from Chase. I am very happy with the location of Prominence,” said Board Chair Charlotte Joyce.
“I’m very supportive of this deal on both sides,” said Board Member Melody Bolduc.
The other three board members not on board raised concerns about accessibility.
“If we were to move our administration building out to 95 and Baymeadows, we would be in an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ situation,” said Board Member Cindy Pearson.
“Prominence is a beautiful building, don’t get me wrong, and I just wish it was a little closer,” said Board Member Tony Ricardo.
“The distance away from where we are at right now causes constraints for access for us as public officials, that’s what we’re supposed to be,” said Board Member Darryl Willie, “We’re supposed to be accessible to the people, and it does not allow us to do that.
According to DCPS, they are, “actively developing implementation plans and will release additional details as they become available.”
