Jacksonville City Council Public Workshop on School Millage Referendum - June 5, 2026

Councilman Arias called a community meeting to discuss the proposed renewal of a one-mill property tax referendum for Duval County Public Schools (DCPS), which the school board has requested to place on the November 2026 ballot. The meeting aimed to educate the public and council members on the implications of the referendum, address questions raised at the prior Finance Committee meeting, and hear from district officials, board members, and the community. Over 300 attendees filled the room, and the meeting was livestreamed and recorded.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Travis Acres (history teacher, Atlantic Coast High School, constituent of Councilman Arias) urged the councilman to make the motion on Tuesday to discharge the item, citing democracy and the need for stability for educators. He stated that at least 10 other council members would second the motion.
• Tammy Brooks Evans (president of Duval Teachers United) emphasized that the referendum is critical for teacher retention and respect. She noted that if it fails, teachers would face pay cuts, and expressed frustration at the delay, asking council to pull the item on Tuesday.
• Cammie Gabigan (19-year elementary teacher, mother of two DCPS students) reminded the council that their role is merely ministerial—to put the measure on the ballot—not to decide its merits. She warned that losing the funding would financially burden teachers.
• Margaret Rojero Hastings (longtime teacher) said the millage had reinvigorated teachers after years of frozen salaries and lack of appreciation. She noted it helps her pay bills and buy supplies for students.
• Asusena Leduc (school social worker) stated she would lose $7,000 from her paycheck if the referendum fails. She works multiple jobs and described using her own money for student needs. She urged council to let the county vote.
• David Boss (Jacksonville Public Education Fund board member, retired consultant) noted that no county commission in Florida has ever denied a school board request to place a millage renewal on the ballot except Duval County five years ago (overturned by legal challenge). He cited examples in Hardee, Hernando, and Sarasota counties where renewals passed overwhelmingly, including in conservative areas. He urged council to put the item on the ballot.
• Robin Reid (20-year DCPS teacher, part of a two-teacher household) said losing the millage would be devastating. Her family used the bonus to buy a home. She noted that veteran teachers saw only a $97 increase while starting teacher salaries rose. The loss would cost her household over $15,000 annually.
• Wanda (paraprofessional, 20 years) said paraeducators earn under $1,000 per pay period and received only a five-cent raise last year. The millage provides a needed $400 bonus. She asked council to also consider support staff.
• Alfreda Denson Butler (teacher) stated she would lose $7,680.66 if the referendum fails. She noted Florida still ranks 50th in the nation for teacher salaries. She urged extension of the referendum.
• Shanna Maureen Russell (30-year teacher, Sandalwood High School) said the money helped her cover medical costs as a breast cancer survivor, including high deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. She is single and supports aging parents.
• Tiffany Clark (Air Force veteran, parent) urged council to do right by teachers, recalling how a teacher ensured she graduated as a teen parent. She quoted the Air Force motto: "Integrity, service before self, excellence in all we do."

Discussion Items

• Councilman Arias opened the meeting, noting he had not been ready to vote on the item at the Finance Committee on June 2 due to unanswered questions. He since made calls and received emails, and now feels more informed.
• Attorney Mr. Fapulis explained procedural options: The item remains in Finance Committee. It can be discharged by the Council President or by a council member motion with a two-thirds vote of present members. If discharged, an addendum would be prepared for Tuesday’s meeting. If not, the item returns to Finance Committee June 23, then council July 28, the last opportunity before the school board’s August 18 deadline with the Supervisor of Elections.
• Attorney Mr. Fackler clarified that a Second District Court of Appeal ruling confirms the council’s action is purely ministerial—no discretion—only to forward the school board’s resolution to the ballot.
• Councilman Arias confirmed the extended timeline (August 18) gave him comfort. He asked about salary impacts: what teachers and officers currently earn, and how much salaries have increased under the millage.
• Dr. Bernier (DCPS Superintendent) reported that 75% of millage funds go directly to teachers, 12.5% to arts/athletics, and about 20% proportionally to charter schools. He cited a 97.6% graduation rate and an A-rated district. Average teacher bonus is ~$8,600. Starting teacher salary is $48,700; starting school police officer salary is $47,648. He noted 2% and 2.6% base pay raises over the past two years, limited by a low fund balance (3% when he arrived, now 5%). He expressed hope for larger raises as the district’s financial health improves.
• Councilman Arias expressed concern that 2.5% raises are insufficient compared to surrounding counties and asked how teachers could see larger increases. Dr. Bernier explained that base salary increases come from state funding (BSA) and not from the millage; the millage provides bonuses. The governor has been supportive but more BSA funding would help.
• School Board Member Balduk (fiscal conservative) said she has scrutinized the budget and found no waste. She noted 85% of the budget is locked in, and the district has cut deeply. She argued the referendum is needed because other funding is insufficient.
• School Board Member Pearson (product of DCPS, parent of graduates) urged council to pull the item on Tuesday to avoid further delay and allow staff to focus on the next school year.
• School Board Member (former teacher) echoed support, asking council to consider teachers who work second or third jobs.
• Charter School Representative John Rood expressed support, noting the revenue helps retain teachers in a competitive environment with private voucher schools. He said charters helped the district achieve an A rating.
• Councilwoman Tyrona Clark Murray (former teacher of 32 years) added that teachers often work unpaid overtime tutoring, and the millage helps offset health insurance costs.

Key Outcomes

• Councilman Arias stated that after hearing the presentations and public testimony, his mind was already made up before the meeting, and he now knows what he will do on Tuesday night—implying he will support moving the referendum forward.
• No formal vote was taken at this workshop. The next step is the June 9 city council meeting, where a council member may move to discharge the item from Finance Committee. If successful, the council will vote on placing the referendum on the November 2026 ballot.