Jacksonville, Fla. \u2013 The future of Duval County\u2019s public school funding took center stage Saturday as educators, parents and community members gathered to discuss the renewal of a one-mill school tax referendum.<\/p>\n
Duval Teachers United organized the forum to raise awareness about the referendum, which is set to appear on the November ballot.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s forum is to get the word out with regard to the one mill referendum for teachers,\u201d said Eva Kelley, a Duval County educator.<\/p>\n
The referendum was first approved by voters in 2022. According to the school district, one mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of assessed home value. The funding provides teachers with additional pay and supports athletic facilities and arts programs.<\/p>\n
Ivory Winfrey, who spoke at the forum, emphasized that the renewal is not a new tax.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has helped us to try to maintain what we have not been taxed, but we still did an increase, and we need, at least with this referendum, as I said again, is not a tax increase. We are trying to maintain what we already have,\u201d Winfrey said.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s at stake for teachers<\/p>\n
For educators, the funding has become a meaningful part of their financial stability.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it goes away from me, that is money out of my budget. So that is money that I used for housing, transportation, utilities, money for some materials that I need for work that are not already provided,\u201d Kelley said.<\/p>\n
Winfrey echoed those concerns, pointing to broader impacts across the district.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the referendum goes away, it\u2019s gonna affect the Duval County schools, for the sports, for the art program, for as independent of self help programs that we have student tutoring,\u201d Winfrey said.<\/p>\n
What comes next<\/p>\n
If renewed, the one-mill tax would remain in place for another four years.<\/p>\n
The referendum will appear on the November 3rd ballot. Early voting begins October 20th, and voters have until October 5th to register for the general election.<\/p>\n
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