JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Tuesday evening, the Duval County School Board took steps to seek voter approval for the extension of the district’s existing 1-mill property tax. School leaders emphasize that this measure is vital for boosting teacher compensation and maintaining essential programs.

The board’s resolution allows the district to formally request that the Jacksonville City Council include the referendum on the ballot. This decision does not involve a tax increase but initiates the process for securing voter consent to prolong the 1-mill ad valorem tax, originally sanctioned in 2022.

If voters agree to the extension, the tax is projected to generate approximately $121 million annually over a period of four years, starting from July 1, 2027, and concluding on June 30, 2030.

District officials assert that the funds are crucial for offering competitive teacher salaries, improving school security measures, and sustaining arts and sports programs. Currently, Duval County lags behind, ranking last in average teacher pay among Florida’s seven major urban school districts, as noted by district representatives.

Both board members and parents have expressed that renewing the tax will help fulfill existing promises made to students and staff.

“I’m calling on you to launch a transparent, nonpartisan campaign to pass this referendum this November,” said Erin Sharer, a parent who addressed the board. “We don’t need more latency. We need a board that is vocal, united and unapologetically standing behind teachers who make education possible.”

Another speaker, Denise Scott, urged leaders to clarify that the measure would not create a new tax.

“Please let the people know this is not a new tax and this is renewing the promise already made to invest in our students and teachers,” Scott said.

The measure passed with a majority of board members in favor. Board Chair Charlotte Joyce cast the lone dissenting vote, saying she supported a half-mill proposal instead. Joyce said she believes a half-mill option would better balance taxpayer concerns while still supporting district priorities.

“I can support teacher salary piece. I can support half of it, but I can’t support the whole thing because to me, the arts and athletics are a luxury,” said Joyce.”

“There’s so many places this touches and I think we do a disservice to strip it away,” said board member Darryl Willie in support of the full 1-mill continuation.

Tuesday’s action authorizes the district to formally request that the City Council place the measure on the ballot. The council must still vote on whether to include the referendum in an upcoming election.