Love Grove Elementary is merging their K-2 physically impaired class with an SLA class for students with intellectual disabilities after Spring Break.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville mother is raising concerns over a school notice announcing a classroom merger that she fears will derail her 5-year-old son’s progress in a program for physically impaired students.

Valesia Clark, whose son Prince has cerebral palsy and attends Love Grove Elementary School, said the March 13 letter was sent home on the final day before spring break. It informed parents that the kindergarten through second-grade physical impairment class will combine with a Supported Level Academics (SLA) class for students with intellectual disabilities starting March 24.

“I am his voice,” she said. “He is my son and I’m going to always step up, speak out wherever I can on his behalf.”

Clark told First Coast News the change could hinder Prince’s academic growth. He is excelling at a first-grade level in the program, which also provides physical, occupational and speech therapy, she said.

“I see the difference,” she said. “Every day he does something new and he’s so proud.”


The letter states the kindergarten teacher, Ms. Porter, will move to a third and fourth grade SLA class for the rest of the school year.

It says there will be conversations after spring break with families on the impacts and potential opportunities for the students to have trials in general education settings.  

Safety is another worry for Clark, who noted Prince crawls or high-kneel walks and questions how he would play on the playground with running children.

“If you were to put him in general population, would he be safe?” she said. “If he’s crawling around on the playground and kids are running and jumping and skipping and hopping, how is that?”

The principal described the move as “proactive,” and backed by Duval County Public Schools’ ESE staff and leadership. She noted that there are no physically impaired classroom settings from grades 3-5 in the district.

Clark called the timing of the notice disheartening and questioned why it came right before the break.

“It’s just why? Why now?” she said.

“No child is the same, no disability is the same, and it’s not fair,” Clark added. “Give all the kids a chance. Don’t block them from their blessings. Don’t block them from their greatest.”

First Coast News reached out to Duval County Public Schools on Monday, but the district offices were closed for spring break. We will continue to seek comment and provide updates when they come in.