An approaching budget shortfall spurred the St. Johns County School District to close St. Johns Technical High School next year, a move officials say reflects deepening financial pressure tied to Florida’s expanded voucher program.
St. Johns County School Superintendent Brennan Asplen told The Citizen that the district anticipates a sigificant deficit for the 2026-27 school year as more state education funding follows students to private schools or homeschooling.
“We’re looking at the possibility of a $10 to $15 million shortfall going into next school year,” Asplen said.
Under the voucher system, roughly $9,000 in state funding follows each eligible student. Asplen said even when students who never attended a public school receive vouchers, the district still loses that share of revenue.
“Your tax dollars are now going to pay for a private school,” he said. “It’s pulling it away from public school, which is causing us to make some basic cuts and do things differently.”
Enrollment in St. Johns County has remained steady at just over 51,000 students, but revenue has declined.
Because fixed costs such as staffing, transportation and facilities do not decrease when students leave, the district must absorb the loss through cuts elsewhere.
Some parents view the voucher program as beneficial, arguing that it gives families the ability to pursue alternatives to traditional public schools, including private campuses.
Closing the technical high school, which serves about 150 students, is part of the district’s cost cutting strategy. Asplen said the campus costs significantly more per student than the district average.
“When you look at our schools, we average about $9,000 per student,” he said. “At St. John’s Technical High School it is $22,000 per student.”
Students from the technical high school will be consolidated into St. Augustine High School through its Early Career Program, which partners with First Coast Technical College.
Asplen said the move will preserve career opportunities while reducing costs. He estimated the consolidation could save roughly $3 million.
Asplen said the district has already cut more than $3.5 million from central office operations and eliminated more than 100 leased portable classrooms.
Additional reductions are under review as officials work to close the remaining budget gap.
“We just have to make up some costs, pull back on some things that that equates to $15 million,” Asplen said.
Despite the challenges Asplen said the district remains committed to maintaining its traditionally sterling standards.
“We’re going to continue to be top notch,” he said. “We’re going to do what it takes.”
