Q: Do you have a follow up from last month’s article regarding the traffic situation at Mandarin High School?
A: Yes. Chief Gregory Burton, executive director of the Duval County School Police Department, has posted two officers to help direct traffic at Mandarin High School. Additionally, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has assigned a traffic complaint officer at the site, who is present to address and enforce dangerous traffic patterns, potentially by writing citations. So far, people who have contacted me seem pleased by the addition of these officers. I’d like to thank Chief Burton for his work in coordinating with the city, JSO, and the school police to resolve the heavy traffic issue at Mandarin High School. One point of interest is that this year, Mandarin High School has had a nearly 50 percent drop in bus riders and an increase (nearly double) in car drivers, which has surely contributed to the traffic situation.
Q: Do you have any upcoming community meetings?
A: I’d like people to mark their calendars now for Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. at Mandarin Oaks Elementary and Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. at Bartram Springs Elementary, when I will host my annual Chat with the Superintendent. This is a great opportunity for community members to be in a small setting with Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene, to hear what’s happening in District 7 as well as get to know her better and of course ask any questions. I encourage the community to attend.
Q: Do you have any school board news to share?
A: At its recent meeting, the Duval County School Board elected a new chair and vice chair for the 2021 – 2022 school year. Darryl Willie will serve as chair and Dr. Kelly Coker will serve as vice chair.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 7?
A: I’d like to congratulate Mandarin High School swimmer Gage Hulbert, who won the FHSAA Class 4A state championship in the 100 butterfly at the state meet in Stuart.
The 2022 School Choice Expo will be a virtual event on Jan. 8. This event brings all public schools together in order to highlight the strengths of each school. To learn more about school choice options or ask questions about the expo, contact the school choice office (school_choice@duvalschools.org).
I’d also like to wish everyone a happy and safe Holiday Season.
Q: How can our readers contact you?
A: They can email me at HersheyL@duvalschools.org or call me at (904) 390-2375.
