Four Democrats, Alfreda Denson Butler, Rhodesia Butler, James Jacobs, and Gracie Bell Kearse-McCastler, are competing for the Duval School Board District 4 seat, which represents many of Jacksonville’s historically Black neighborhoods and schools across the Northside.

Candidates’ Priorities

The candidates tend to agree on the importance of voters approving a property tax renewal this November to help fund the district’s operations and the need to shield the district from further school closures.

Alfreda Denson Butler, a varying exceptionalities teaching lead at Mattie V. Rutherford Alternative Education Center, has over 30 years of experience with the district and is endorsed by major union organizations in the area.

Rhodesia Butler, an area director for the Boys & Girls Club of Jacksonville, says she would like to focus on retaining teachers and showcasing the best District 4 has to offer to attract more families.

James Jacobs, a dean of students at Duval County Charter School at Westside, promises to be ‘present, accessible, and accountable to the families of District 4’ on his campaign website.

Gracie Bell Kearse-McCastler, a retired Duval County educator of 33 years, will appear on the November ballot only as a write-in candidate and seeks to take on student discipline in District 4 schools.

Challenges Ahead

The new school board member will face challenges such as school closures, a shrinking student population, and the need to promote what District 4 has to offer to all students and families.

The candidates agree that the district must focus on promoting what District 4 has to offer and investing in teacher pay and training to retain educators.

Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.