Share and Follow
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Minds of the Future Academy faced an unexpected and unwelcome setback just as the new year was about to begin. In the midst of relocating to a new facility for the upcoming Spring semester, the school fell victim to a burglary, leaving staff and students devastated.
Principal Dr. Cynthia Smith expressed her disappointment after the Jacksonville school’s new premises were broken into on Friday night. Thieves made off with thousands of dollars worth of equipment and technology, a significant blow to the school community. “We were eagerly anticipating moving into this new location where we could all be together under one roof,” Dr. Smith lamented.
For over two years, the private school had been diligently raising funds to secure a permanent home, aiming to unite its 150 students, who had been scattered across various leased buildings. This burglary, however, threatens to delay their plans and dampens the excitement of finally bringing everyone together.
“We were looking forward to and have been looking forward to moving into this one location, all of us under one roof,” said Principal Dr. Cynthia Smith.
Smith says the private school has raised money for more than two years to have a place of their own, and bring the school’s 150 students who are in different leased buildings under one roof.
They found that space in the St. Nicholas area and were prepared to start the Spring semester there until they were blindsided mid-move when they found the glass shattered on a side door.
“We do not have any more technology whatsoever,” said Smith. “No TVs, no smart boards, we do not have tablets, no laptops. All of our projectors are gone.”
Smith estimates the stolen supplies and damages set the school back about $250,000.
While Minds of the Future Academy is insured, Smith says the policy didn’t cover the contents of the new building yet.
“When people do things like this, they’re not robbing a particular person, they’re robbing children because those things they took are for the betterment of the children,” said Smith.
Smith filed a report with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and added a security company since the items were taken.
She says Minds of the Future Academy will start the new semester at their old buildings while they work to rebuild.
“It’s a minor setback,” said Smith. “We’re going to do what we need to do.”
Smith is hoping they’ll be able to move into the new building come Spring Break.
Find information on how to help the school move forward here.
