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Ortega Elementary's Historic Future Hangs in Balance
17 Jun
Summary
- Ortega Elementary may be declared surplus property.
- A 2019 plan suggests merging students into a new Venetia Elementary.
- A board vote on July 1 will determine the school's fate.
The future of the historic Ortega Elementary School is in question as it faces a potential declaration as surplus property. Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier stated this proposal aligns with the district's 2019 Master Facilities Plan, which anticipated Ortega students merging into a rebuilt Venetia Elementary School.
Despite the plan's origins, several Duval County School Board members expressed concerns about community communication. Parents, like Erin and Alex Stone, feel blindsided, questioning the vote before a community meeting. The board is scheduled to vote on the surplus declaration on July 1.
If approved, Ortega Elementary could be sold. Failure to declare it surplus may delay the construction of the new Venetia Elementary, which is slated to begin next spring and open in fall 2028. Dr. Bernier warned that a negative vote could halt the Venetia project.
