Published on November 3, 2026 at 9:06 pm
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Jacksonville voters supported an extension for Duval Schools’ special property tax assessment by a wide margin Tuesday, but the three School Board races were each decided by slim margins.
The 1-mill property tax levy had a better show of support this year — about 75% of voters favored it — than when it was first passed four years ago. (A little more than half of voters supported it then.)
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The 1-mill property tax levy costs the average Jacksonville homeowner $300 per year and benefits the average teacher with a salary supplement of nearly $9,000 per year.
It generates about $125 million a year that the district uses to pay teachers a more competitive salary and support arts and athletics programs. A portion of the generated revenue is also distributed to the county’s charter schools, as required by state law.
In a statement released Tuesday evening, Duval Schools Superintendent Chris Bernier said the millage’s renewal “sends a clear and powerful message” of community support for the A-rated district.
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“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to Duval voters for their continued investment in our educators and our children,” Bernier wrote. “Our progress and accomplishments are possible only with the community’s support and commitment.”
Close calls for the School Board
The School Board races had no incumbents, so the contests had the potential to change the board’s ideological makeup, which has shifted steadily more conservative in recent years. However, each newly elected member was endorsed by their district’s current rep, so the outcome is unlikely to change the board’s political sway.
In District 2, 26-year-old political strategist Donovan Bradley will take the place of April Carney, who chose not to run for a second term. He defeated Donna Westrich, a Duval Schools parent and teacher, with about 53% of the vote.
In District 4, Rho Butler will fill the seat vacated by Darryl Willie, who is term-limited. She defeated James “Coach” Jacobs with 50.6% of the vote.
In District 6, Lindsey Denmark won the race for Charlotte Joyce’s seat. Joyce is also term-limited. She defeated CJ James with about 53% of the vote.
