Duval Schools could save $26 million according to a new study

Jacksonville, FL —

The Duval Public School District spent about $550,000 to do a year-long study.  The report was supposed to be an apples-to-apples look at Duval compared to other cities.  In that report a way to save $26 million.

The report by Education Resource Strategies found the district is one of the lowest funded they’ve studied, there needs to be a stronger focus on improving teacher effectiveness and then there’s the finding that highlights the potential savings.

If the Duval School District decides to consolidate efforts outlined in this report they could free up that $26 million.  They would have to close down schools with smaller class sizes.  There are about 50 schools with 500 students then another 15 or so schools with less than 350.

The findings in this study show that by cutting costs on instruction, pupil services, operations and maintenance they can save millions and move that money elsewhere.

In a press release from Duval Schools they say, “This study provided the district with valuable insights on how to take existing money and focus on more efficiency to improve the outcomes for our students,” says Superintendent Ed-Pratt Dannals.

Any changes now would have to come from the school board.

Breaking down the actual costs of the study, it was $550,000, $100,000 coming from the Jacksonville Public Education Fund and another $100,000 from donations the fund raised.