JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County voters will decide in November whether to renew a 1-mill property tax that funds teacher bonuses in Duval County Public Schools.
Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier says the tax provides teachers with an $8,600 annual bonus. The district recently launched a page on their website to help voters understand how the money is spent.
What the 1-mill means for teachers
Current DCPS teacher Monica Gold says the bonus has made a real difference in her finances — though she is still working a second job to pay off student loans.
“The mill rate — that does contribute to helping me with my finances,” Gold said. “I would be in a far worse place without it. I’m very, very grateful for it.”
Former DCPS teacher Darellee Naccarato says the bonus allowed her to avoid taking on extra work.
“It made a significant dent with my own children, helping make sure that they had what they needed, our family to not struggle and for me not to need a second job,” Naccarato said.
District argues renewal is critical to teacher retention
Dr. Bernier says the 1-mill has helped the district lower teacher vacancies and improve retention. He also pointed to competition with neighboring counties.
“We’re competing with talent with Clay, Nassau and St. John’s who all have that same bonus structure,” Bernier said. “If that was removed, I think our vacancies would increase. So I’m hoping that our community values its teachers.”
Bernier credited teachers with helping Duval County Public Schools earn an A grade and said he looks forward to seeing the community continue to support public education in November.
Former teacher plans to vote yes
Naccarato, who worked in Duval County schools until recently, said she plans to vote to keep the tax in place.
“I totally understand that people need money themselves and they’re squeezed,” she said. “But our public schools are what supplies all of our workers in our community. It’s just so important to get behind schools and keep that public education money where it belongs.”
Voters will decide on the fate of the 1-mill in November.
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