The Duval County School Board held a special meeting on October 29, 2024, where community members voiced strong opinions regarding the potential closure of several schools, particularly Leadership Academy. Parents and educators expressed their concerns about the impact of such closures on students and the community.

One parent highlighted the positive transformation of his sons at Leadership Academy, emphasizing that the school has helped his children overcome bullying and develop leadership skills. He urged the board to reconsider any plans to close the school, advocating for more engagement with parents, teachers, and students before making decisions that could affect their education.

Wells Todd, a member of the advocacy group Take Them Down Jacks, addressed the historical context of school closures, arguing that many of the schools targeted for closure serve predominantly Black and low-income students. He called for prioritizing the needs of children over financial considerations, referencing historical injustices tied to financial decisions in education.

Joseph De Don, a reading teacher and football coach at Leadership Academy, spoke about the positive changes he has witnessed this year, including character development programs that have significantly impacted students. He urged the board to allow more time for these initiatives to take root, asserting that the school is on the right path to improvement.

Antoinette Eady, a parent of students at Young Leadership Academy, shared her daughter's successful transition to the school, which she believes provides a focused environment for young women. She echoed the sentiment that the board should listen to students' voices in discussions about school closures.

The meeting concluded with a call for the board to engage more deeply with the community and consider the broader implications of closing schools, particularly those that serve vulnerable populations. The discussions underscored the importance of community input in educational decisions and the need for careful consideration of the impact on students and families.