OFFICE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL
117 WEST DUVAL STREET, SUITE 425
4TH FLOOR, CITY HALL
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32202
904-630-1377
LUZ Special Committee Meeting Minutes
November 1, 2016
4:45 p.m.
Topic: School Capacity as it relates to Land Use Policy decisions
Location: City Council Chamber, 1st floor, City Hall – St.
James Building, 117 West Duval Street
In
attendance: Council Members Danny Becton
(Chair), Al Ferraro, Reggie Gaffney, Jim Love, Joyce Morgan
Also: Folks Huxford, Bruce Lewis, Kristen Reed – Planning &
Development Department; Susan Grandin and Sondra Fetner – Office of General Counsel; Jessica Matthews
– Legislative Services Division; Dan MacDonald – ECA Dist. 11; Yvonne P.
Mitchell – Research Division
Meeting
Convened: 4:51 p.m.
Chairman Becton called the meeting
to order.
Mr. Andy Eckert explained the
process to school master planning. The major elements include: a) long range
facilities master plan; b) Florida Inventory of School Houses (FISH) capacity;
and c) utilization. In long range planning, facility needs are based on
demographics, growth/land use plans, and building conditions throughout the
five Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) geographical planning areas. Other components of consideration include new
schools, building modernizations and additions, school replacement, and
infrastructure reduction.
Mr. Eckert commented that the number
of available student stations (seats) is determined by FISH. The actual number
is based on the original construction and number/types of classrooms assigned.
The following is the seat availability for a standard classroom size:
- 18
seats per Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
- 22
seats per 4th – 8th Grade
- 25
seats per 9th – 12th Grade
- 10
seats for Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
- Media
Center, Cafeteria, Art & Music do not have assigned seats.
Facility utilization is determined
by the actual students assigned to the school compared to the capacity. The
comparison is completed after twenty days in school. This number is expressed
as a percentage. Currently, DCPS utilization for schools range between 85% to 105%. This number varies based on annual
enrollment. Magnet schools capacity is determined by DCPS. Mr. Eckert explained
that DCPS is currently revamping declining enrollment schools into magnet
schools to increase utilization of neighborhood schools.
Council Member Ferraro shared his
concerns regarding the inconsistency of utilization numbers and percentages. In
response to Council Member Ferraro’s concerns, Mr. Eckert stated that DCPS has
a non-voting member on the City’s Planning Commission; his department reviews
all land use amendments and PUDs, and meets with developers to calculate the
impact of new development on neighborhood schools. Chairman Becton commented
that communication between DCPS and the Council was necessary for improved
effectiveness and efficiency. He suggested that DCPS submit a quarterly report
to LUZ. Mr. Eckert agreed to pass request to Superintendent Vitti.
DCPS Five-year Capital Plan (2016-2017)
includes planned major maintenance, IT projects and new school construction.
There are two planned constructions scheduled for 2020-2021: Southside K-8
(located near Atlantic Coast High School) and Northside K-8 (expansion of
Sheffield Elementary). Millage rate, Public Education and Capital Outlay Funds
(PECO), and Certificate of Participation (COPS) Bonds are sources of revenue
for DCPS.
Chairman Becton emphasized the
importance of collaboration, and DCPS sharing strategic planning information with
LUZ to assist committee members in their decision-making process.
There being no further business, the
meeting was adjourned.
Meeting
Adjourned:
5:31 p.m.
Minutes: Yvonne P. Mitchell, Council
Research
11.03.16 Posted 12:30 p.m.
Tapes: LUZ Special Meeting– LSD
11.01.16
*
The
written minutes for this meeting are an overview of what was discussed. Please
review the audio to hear the actual dialogue from this meeting.