05-23-22 Handout - ABE May 23, 2022
Dear Mayor Glasser, City Commission Members and
City Manager Corbin,
The generosity of the City of Atlantic Beach (COAB) has provided meaningful
improvements to Atlantic Beach Elementary (ABE) over the years. For example:
• COAB pays $485 monthly for landscaping in the front of ABE (44%of FABE's total
landscaping cost).
• COAB recently helped pay for the architectural style fence installed by FABE
(significant upgrade from the chain-link fence planned by the District).
• In 2014, COAB paid $12,000 to re-pave the track.
As you know,the COAB and Duval County School Board have a mixed-use agreement
which provides that ABE will remain open after school hours and on the weekends. Given
that local residents visit the school during these times, FABE's next planned capital
project -- the installation of new playground equipment at ABE (specifically, swings for
the kindergarten and first-grade students along with some picnic tables and benches) --
will benefit both ABE students and Atlantic Beach residents greatly.
FABE has selected new swings, benches and picnic tables as its next project to provide a
much-needed upgrade to the younger students' area, replacing the aging wooden swings
and providing a fun play experience for those students (roughly 160 children annually).
New Swings 1111.111r Poinsettia St.
will replace this
aging equipment Kindergarten/1st
177 Wooden Playground
Swings
Here are the relevant details regarding funding for the project:
• Project cost is approximately$20,000 (fully installed).
• FABE has nearly depleted its capital project fund after its most recent playground
equipment project that was installed in March 2022 (roughly $65,000 cost).
• With assistance from the COAB, FABE could have this new equipment installed as
early as Fall 2022, resulting in significant improvement to the younger students' play
area and better equipment for residents using the property after hours.
The Duval County School District, unfortunately, is not in a position to replace this
equipment given its minimal budget for playground equipment. Furthermore, as ABE
does not qualify as a Title I school (despite roughly 28 percent of its students qualifying
for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program),ABE does not receive Title I funds to assist in
meeting the school's educational goals. As a result, ABE relies on donations from families,
businesses and community members to supplement the funds allocated to ABE.
Improvements like new playground equipment help attract families to ABE who could
otherwise send their children to private schools. Securing these families is vital, as their
participation at ABE and donations to ABE create a richer environment for all students
and staff,which in turn benefits the Atlantic Beach community.
Thank you for your consideration.
Warm regards, Funds to S
Erin Allen • 5.�� 4pAo
President of Friends of Atlantic Beach Elementary
501(c)(3) organization
the Educational
Experience at
Ex