Duval County Schools is exploring whether to consolidate Mayport Elementary and Anchor Academy, prompting parents, alumni, and district officials to meet to discuss what such a change could mean for students.

At the meeting, some attendees voiced concern that merging the two schools could dilute the military-focused support Anchor Academy provides. Lillian Mikhalchuck, an Anchor Academy alum, described the school as a tight-knit community that understood what she and other military kids were going through.

“I really truly appreciated what Anchor Academy brought me and brought into my life — a community of all these kids that knew how I felt, knew what I was going through,” Mikhalchuck said.

Others at the meeting said they believe military families would continue to receive strong suppor

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