Duval County Public Schools launches website ahead of November millage vote

News4Jax | By: News 4 Jax | August 24, 2026

DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. – Duval County Public Schools has launched a new website to help voters understand the 1-mill property tax referendum ahead of its renewal vote on Nov. 3.

The site — duvalschools.org/vote — includes ballot language, frequently asked questions and a breakdown of how millage funds are used. It also features teachers sharing personal stories about how the millage has impacted their lives and careers.

Third-grade teacher Lindzee McClure is one of those voices. When Duval County voters first approved the 1-mill referendum in 2022, she said the message from the community was clear: We see you. We value you.

“It felt great that the community believed in us,” McClure said. “We felt valued. We’re not in there worrying about how we’re going to pay our bills. We’re in there worrying about the kids. That’s our job. That’s what we want to do.”

What the millage funds

The 1-mill referendum, first approved by Duval County voters in 2022, was designed to recruit and retain teachers amid a nationwide teacher shortage. Funding also supports arts and athletic programs.

Key figures highlighted on the site include:

• Teacher salary supplements averaged $8,668 in 2025-26.
• Teacher retention has increased since the millage was approved, while the teacher vacancy rate declined from 6.5% to 4.4%.
• The majority of Duval County Public Schools’ share of the millage supports compensation for teachers, school police and other employees, with approximately 12% directed toward student programming, including arts and athletics.

Progress since 2022

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier pointed to measurable gains since voters first approved the millage four years ago.

“We are now entering our second year as an ‘A’-rated school district, with a historic 97.6% graduation rate,” Bernier said. “More than 98% of our schools are rated an ‘A,’ ‘B’ or ‘C.’ Our progress is the result of the dedication of our teachers, school leaders, students, families, and entire Team Duval community.”

Bernier said the website will serve as a key resource for voters as they weigh whether to continue the millage.