JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duval County voters will decide in November whether to renew a property tax supporting public schools, which supporters say has helped teachers earn more and could help keep them in the district.
Voters first approved the one-mill tax in 2022. It amounts to $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property value, and Duval teachers have since earned an average of $8,600 more a year.
Jessica Reyst of Duval Teachers United said the extra pay has helped teachers cover expenses.
“They might not have to have that second job. They may have – if they have a medical situation and they’ve had doctors’ bills, they’ve been able to pay those bills,” Reyst said.
Reyst is hopeful voters will approve the renewal but warned that rejecting it could affect teacher retention.
“If for some reason Duval’s referendum was not renewed – there is a chance that people would potentially leave the district to go to other districts who have the referendum,” Reyst said.
The vote comes as National Education Association data ranks Florida 50th in teacher pay.
The Jacksonville Civic Council has also endorsed the renewal, saying a yes vote supports teachers and students. David Garfunkel of the council pointed to changes in the district since the tax took effect.
“DCPS has cut teacher vacancies, it’s kept more experienced teachers, and I think really importantly – it’s earned back-to-back A grades as a school district for the last two years,” Garfunkel said.
If voters approve the extension, it would take effect July 1, 2027 and expire June 30, 2030.
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