St. Johns Technical High School will join with St. Augustine High School beginning in the 2026–27 school year. | News4Jax
Published on February 20, 2026 at 2:04 pm
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St. Johns Technical High School will join with St. Augustine High School beginning in the 2026–27 school year, creating a new Early Career Program aimed at expanding academic and career options for students.
Superintendent Brennan Asplen said the voucher system is pulling money away from public schools, contributing to the district’s financial challenges.
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“Last year we had 51,000 students. This year we have over 51,000 students, but we have less money. So where is it going? Where is the revenue going even though our expenses are increasing? It is the voucher system,” Asplen said.
District officials said the move is intended to give St. Johns Technical High School students access to more instructional resources, extracurriculars and specialized career pathways while keeping a personalized “small school” feel on a larger campus.
The St. Augustine High School Early Career Program will connect students to First Coast Technical College, allowing some ninth- and 10th-graders to begin advanced technical training and earn clock hours or certifications aligned with post-secondary career goals.
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Students entering 11th or 12th grade in 2026–27 will focus on finishing graduation requirements at St. Augustine High School while taking career-focused coursework through First Coast Technical College.
The district will also move the Gaines Alternative School to the St. Johns Technical Center site.
“When we do that, we won’t need the full complement over at that school, over at the Hamlin School. So that’s going to save us as well. When you put both of those together, we save about $3 million,” Asplen said.
He added: “The building won’t be left vacant. We do have a culinary academy in there, so there’s a nice kitchen in there. And so students, since St. Augustine High School is right next door, they’ll still be able to come over and utilize that for the academy or FCTC.”
More school cuts
Despite these savings, the district still needs to find more places to trim the budget. “We’re cutting another $3.5 million out of the district office. We cut $4.5 million last year out of the district office,” Asplen said.
Program leaders say students will move through classes in cohort groups whenever possible, and each student will be assigned a success coach to monitor progress and support on-time graduation. A St. Augustine High School career specialist will oversee the Early Career Program.
Students may pursue either the 18-credit or 24-credit diploma option. Those who complete their requirements will graduate with a diploma from St. Augustine High School. Districtwide transportation will continue to be available for Early Career Program students.
Current St. Johns Technical High School students will be automatically accepted into the St. Augustine High School Early Career Program for 2026–27 if they choose to enroll. Families will receive specific registration steps from the current technical school team in the coming days.
Students who prefer to return to their home-zoned high school instead of joining the Early Career Program will have that option. Officials say a success coach will support students regardless of whether they attend St. Augustine High School or their zoned school, helping with the transition and offering ongoing academic assistance.
Asplen noted that the voucher system’s impact may continue to affect the budget, but he remains optimistic.
“Even though we have to make cuts and work through some of those things, we’ve done that before and we’ll continue to do that and be strong,” he said.
In addition to the school consolidation, the district plans to cut leases on multiple buildings and portables to save costs.
When asked if any jobs would be eliminated, Asplen said: “What we are trying to do is a couple things. Number one, we told our students, look, we need to do what’s best for you, OK? And we’re going to make sure that that happens. With our employees, we are going to be right there with you and do what is best for you to get you open slots.”
Families with questions can contact 904-547-8500.
This story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner.
