Friends of Fishweir Elementary stands firmly against the recent proposal by the Duval County School Board to close down the historic Fishweir Elementary School and merge it with Ruth Upson Elementary School. As dedicated supporters of Fishweir Elementary, we believe this proposal undermines the unique value our school brings to the community, the arts, and the education system at large.

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Fishweir Elementary School has been a cornerstone of our community since its establishment in 1917. Its historical significance extends beyond its walls, symbolizing a legacy of educational excellence and community unity. Shutting down Fishweir would not only erase a piece of our local heritage but also displace a thriving academic environment that has consistently ranked in the top 20% of schools in Florida.

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As a recognized magnet school for the arts, Fishweir Elementary plays a pivotal role in fostering the creativity and talent of young minds. Our specialized programs and dedicated faculty have cultivated an environment where arts education is not just an extracurricular activity but a core component of our students’ holistic development. Each year, the demand for our unique curriculum is evidenced by a growing waitlist for enrollment, signifying the community's trust and recognition of our value.

 

The proposal to merge Fishweir Elementary with Ruth Upson Elementary overlooks the specific needs, traditions, and achievements that make our school exceptional. It jeopardizes the future of arts education in our community and risks diminishing the quality and accessibility of educational opportunities for current and prospective students.

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We call upon the Duval County School Board to reconsider their proposal, recognizing the profound impact it would have on our students, their families, and the broader community. Instead, we urge the Board to engage in open dialogue with all stakeholders, including parents, educators, and community groups like ours, to explore alternative solutions that preserve the legacy and continue the success of Fishweir Elementary School.

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Friends of Fishweir Elementary is committed to advocating for the best interests of our students, the preservation of our historic institution, and the continuation of our indispensable arts programs. As such, we will continue on with all of our planned fundraising activities.

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Learn more by visiting the S.O.S. Fishweir Facebook Page:

Please be aware that the S.O.S. - Save Fishweir Elementary Facebook group is an independent community and is not officially affiliated with the Fishweir Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA), the Fishweir School Advisory Council (SAC), or the Friends of Fishweir, Inc. non-profit organization.

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Members of the S.O.S. - Save Fishweir Elementary Facebook group act independently and their views, actions, and posts do not represent or reflect the policies, views, or activities of the Fishweir PTA, Fishweir SAC, or the Friends of Fishweir non-profit. Participation in the Facebook group is entirely at the discretion of the individual members and is separate from any official school or community roles they may hold.

 

Open, respectful, and community-oriented dialogue is encouraged within the group. However, it is important for all members and the public to recognize this distinction in affiliation to ensure clarity and prevent any misunderstandings.

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Email addresses for DCPS board members:

Interim Superintendent: Dr. Dana Kriznar

District 1: Dr. Kelly Coker, Board Member

District 2: April Carney, Board Member

District 3: Cindy Pearson, Board Member

District 4: Darryl Willie, Chairman

District 5: Warren Jones, Board Member

District 6: Charlotte Joyce, Vice Chairman

District 7: Lori Hershey, Board Member

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Important Links:

DCPS Master Facilities Plan Resource Guide

Cost outline for proposed school consolidations

FAQ: master facility plan, school boundaries, and district finances