Q: Can you give an update on the pool construction at Atlantic Coast High School?
A: The design phase is set to begin in Fall 2021, with construction scheduled to start in Fall 2022.
Q: What is the district doing to improve air quality at Mandarin area schools?
A: Work is being done to the air filtration systems of schools throughout District 7. The timeline for these improvements, which include the replacement of current MERV-8 (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) with new MERV-13 level filters is: In October, installation is scheduled for Bartram Springs Elementary, Greenland Pines Elementary, Twin Lakes Academy Elementary, Mandarin Oaks Elementary, Mandarin Middle, and Twin Lakes Academy Middle. In November, installation is scheduled for Loretto Elementary, Crown Point Elementary, Mandarin High and Atlantic Coast High.
Q: Do you have any news about the new principal at Atlantic Coast High School?
A: The former principal accepted a position with the district office in professional development, so Atlantic Coast High School has a new principal, Michael George. He is from New Orleans and is excited to be at Atlantic Coast. On Oct. 12, we hosted an opportunity for parents to meet the new principal and learn more about him. I’d like to thank all the parents who attended.
Q: What can you tell us about the traffic situation at Mandarin High School [as of interview date of Oct. 14]?
A: I am well aware of the traffic problems at Mandarin High School that have been ongoing since the start of the school year. I appreciate everyone who has reached out. I have been working with Council Member Boylan and the city and with our school police who have been working with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Traffic studies have been done and I am awaiting the report. We are all working together to remedy this situation.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 7?
A: On Oct. 16, Twin Lakes Academy Elementary School hosted a Farm Share event. We had more than 50 volunteers show up to help, many of them students from Twin Lakes Academy Elementary’s Green Team, Twin Lakes Academy Middle School and Atlantic Coast High School, as well as parents and community members. We were able to help 400 families.
Q: How can our readers contact you?
A: They can email me at HersheyL@duvalschools.org or call me at (904) 390-2375.
