DCPS discussing possible property tax increase referendum

Jacksonville FL — On Tuesday, Duval Public Schools said it was discussing the possibility of asking voters to pay for a property tax increase, by one mill, to help pay for things like better pay for teachers and staff and to improve arts and athletic programs in schools. At a workshop Tuesday, Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene told the school board that the number of teaching vacancies is around 400, leaving those classrooms to be filled by either a substitute or administrator or forcing teachers to take on more responsibilities. DCPS says the district ranks 40th out of 69 other districts in the state in terms of average teacher salary and last out of the seven large urban districts in the state.

Dr. Greene also says that under state law, public charter schools would receive a proportionate share of the money from the possible property tax increase based on enrollment.

We’re told the half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2020 can not be used for this effort and instead it must be used for things like building maintenance, safety upgrades, repairs, and renovations. The potential money raised would stay in Duval County and not be sent to either the state or federal government.

No final decision has been made and there will be more discussions happening at the March 1st school board meeting.

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