Support Duval County Public School Teachers on August 23rd
Duval County, among many other Florida counties, is experiencing a crisis as schools prepare to resume in less than one month. A major teacher shortage will leave classrooms without experienced educators, potentially overcrowded, and continuing to build upon the detrimental educational impacts of the COVID pandemic.
Under Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida’s teachers are leaving the profession in record numbers, citing low salaries, new laws dictating curriculum, and fatigue. The Florida Education Association (FEA) states there are nearly 10,000 vacancies state-wide, and here locally, according to a report by Florida Times-Union reporter Emily Bloch, Duval County Public Schools has 529 vacancies for certified teachers, a 23% increase from 2021. The district is so desperate for teachers right now, they are accepting applications from any person who has a bachelor’s degree, and waiving the requirements for certification. This is not the answer. Placing unqualified personnel in a classroom with absolutely no educational background or teaching experience will only exacerbate the damaging impacts of the pandemic on education.
On August 23rd, voters have an opportunity to help mitigate this crisis. With low salaries being one of the primary complaints of current teachers and teachers leaving their careers, a one-millage increase will allow our public school educators to be compensated more fairly and competitively, helping to retain and recruit qualified and experienced teachers. According to a report from News 4 Jax, “the school district anticipates the tax — which would cost homeowners an extra $100 per year for each $100,000 of accessed value of their house — would raise at least $81 million annually. The tax increase would automatically terminate after four years unless renewed by another vote by the citizens of Duval County.” While Florida ranks #16 in the country for starting pay, the average pay for teachers in the Sunshine State remains near the bottom, at 48th in the U.S., according to FEA. We can and must do better for our teachers and prioritize the education of our children through this measure.
This is why I am voting “Yes” on the August 23rd referendum to increase the current millage rate for public school funding. 75% of the increase will be used directly to compensate teachers and district staff with a salary increase, something they both need and deserve, and an initiative that will have immediate and long-term positive impacts on our community, state, and country. We must pass this referendum — Our future depends on it.
