On Tuesday, Jacksonville residents will vote on three open seats on the Duval County School Board – Districts 2, 4 and 6 – and on a one‑mill ad valorem millage that has funded teacher‑salary supplements, arts, athletics and safety programs since 2022. The millage adds roughly $300 per year to a typical homeowner’s tax bill and translates to about $8,668 in additional earnings for each teacher.
District 4: Rho Butler vs. James “Coach” Jacobs
Rho Butler, a lifelong Jacksonville resident and former Duval Schools paraprofessional and assistant principal, backs the tax extension. She argues the extra funding helps teachers cover mortgage, car and insurance costs and keeps the district competitive. Butler, who now works for the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida, says her top priorities are closing the achievement gap, preserving the district’s recent A‑grade rating and improving school‑wide safety.
Butler has raised just under $40,000, with major contributions from real‑estate developer Vestcor, the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters and Duval Teachers United.
Her opponent, James “Coach” Jacobs, previously worked for Charter Schools USA and now serves as a dean of students, though he declined to name his current school. Jacobs has raised nearly $18,000, with donations from the K‑12 service provider Outreach Education LLC, City Council member Matt Carlucci and former councilman Reggie Gaffney. He left required financial‑interest questions blank on his filing.
District 6: Donna Mae Westrich vs. Donovan Bradley
Long‑time teacher Donna Mae Westrich, who has taught at charter schools and most recently at Fletcher High School, supports the millage, citing its role in funding band uniforms and other teacher stipends. She emphasizes funding and student‑safety concerns, including the need for weapons‑detection systems. Westrich’s campaign has collected $28,764, with top donors including a political committee linked to the Florida Democratic Party, teachers’ unions and the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors.
Republican strategist Donovan Bradley, a Fletcher High graduate, says the district should ideally fund teacher raises from its existing budget but backs the millage because the district “isn’t in a position to do that right this second.” Bradley’s platform expands non‑college pathways and reduces classroom technology. He has raised more than $108,000, with 76 donors giving the $1,000 maximum, many tied to Republican political committees and Vestcor.
District 2: C.J. James vs. Lindsey Denmark
Sergeant C.J. James, a Duval County School Police officer and retired Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office lieutenant, supports the tax extension, warning that its loss would be “very cumbersome” for teachers who rely on the supplement for basic needs. James also backs a proposal allowing school staff to keep firearms in their cars on campus and wants a review of district contracts for better return on investment. He has raised over $117,000, with contributions from police‑union political committees and local developers Michael Balanky (Chase Properties) and Sleiman Holdings.
Lindsey Denmark, a real‑estate agent and homeschooling mother, opposes the millage, arguing that a loss would force the district to make necessary changes. She praises school choice in Florida, noting it lets families select the best education for their children. Denmark’s campaign emphasizes parental‑rights and community involvement through her church. She has not disclosed a total fundraising amount.
What the Millage Means for Teachers
The district says the one‑mill levy provides a salary supplement of almost $9,000 per teacher each year. Without it, teachers would see a direct pay cut, potentially affecting their ability to meet mortgage, car and insurance obligations.
Why the Election Matters
Voters will not only decide the fate of the tax extension but also shape the board that will oversee the district’s budget, curriculum choices, safety policies and the future of school‑choice options. The candidates’ fundraising sources reveal a mix of local developers, unions, political committees and community groups, underscoring the broad interest in Jacksonville’s public‑education system.
All three districts will be decided on Tuesday, and the outcome will determine whether the 1‑mill tax remains in place to continue supporting teachers, extracurricular programs and school‑safety initiatives.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
