At the recent annual oversight committee meeting held on June 12, 2024, key updates on school concurrency, enrollment trends, and development impacts in Flagler County were discussed in detail by school district planners, city officials, and county representatives. Lisa Deina, the new school district planner, provided an overview of the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) process, emphasizing the importance of concurrency in ensuring adequate school capacity aligns with new residential developments. She explained that concurrency requires public facilities, including schools, to be available when new housing is built, maintaining a level of service standard of 100% of permanent student stations, which includes current and near-future capacity.
Deina outlined the process for reviewing development applications, highlighting that if a project fits within the existing capacity, a concurrency reservation letter is issued. However, if capacity is exceeded, developers may either wait or proceed with mitigation payments, which involve paying for the additional student stations their development would require. These payments are based on state construction costs and are held by the district for future capacity projects.
The committee discussed the complexity of measuring capacity, especially due to specialized programs that require smaller class sizes, such as Exceptional Student Education or Career and Technical Education (CTE). Deina noted that while permanent student stations are used for calculations, program variations can affect actual utilization. The group also addressed concerns about how students participating in virtual schooling or dual enrollment at colleges are counted, with attendance fluctuating and complicating capacity forecasts.
Enrollment trends revealed a slight decline in traditional public school students, partly due to increasing numbers opting for private schools, charter schools, or homeschooling through voucher programs. This shift has financial implications, as funds allocated for students following them to non-public options create budget shortfalls for the district. One Commissioner remarked, understanding these trends is crucial for making informed decisions that affect the broader community.
Officials from the City of Palm Coast and the City of Bunnell reported steady growth in residential permits and new developments, with Palm Coast noting an increase in multifamily units, especially in urban areas. They stressed the challenges of planning infrastructure without clear buildout schedules, as many developments date back decades and are built out unpredictably.
Looking ahead, the district’s five-year capital plan includes a middle and high school expansion projected for 2029, with portables considered as interim solutions for overcrowding. The committee also discussed legislative proposals concerning impact fees and school land acquisition, expressing concerns about potential restrictions that could limit the district’s ability to plan for future growth effectively.
Chair Andy Dance commended the collaborative spirit of the group, stressing the importance of continuing to work together to meet the community’s educational needs. Commissioner Carney summed up the meeting by highlighting the critical balance between accommodating growth and managing resources wisely, considering the uncertainties ahead.
The next oversight committee meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2026, continuing the annual review and planning process to support Flagler County’s schools and residents.
