JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Potential school closures. 

It’s one of the biggest topics Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier will face after he is sworn in Tuesday. 

A consultant, hired by the district, suggested closing more than 30 DCPS schools to cut costs. Westside High School is on the list. 

It’s a problem Bernier inherited. Two Westside High School parents want him to consider the kids when discussing potential closures.

“We’re offering an electrician apprenticeship, we’re offering the CNA [certified nursing assistant] program,” said Westside High School parent, Aliza Glover.

The CNA program is one of the most recent additions at Westside High School, according to school advisory council president, LaToya Walker. 

“Typically, that’s something that you can do after high school and it’s like a two-year program or a three-year program, but they’re getting that on top of working on their high school diploma,” Walker said. 

It’s one of the many programs that could be lost if Westside closes. 

Recently, the district hosted focus groups to gather feedback from community stakeholders, like Walker.

“We have, at least on the Westside, and I know some of the other schools, a number of homeless students, you know, what does that do for them? We have a number of CSS students, exceptional needs students,” Walker said. 

All are questions parents like Walker and Glover have for Bernier.

“Consider the children, they are the most important part of this process. And I would hate to see a community as vibrant as this area to suffer the loss,” Glover said. 

Walker said DCPS leaders collected feedback from the focus group meeting. 

The district said it will compile information from the groups, adding the goal is to have the school board take action on a new plan in September or October.