Jacksonville Public Education Fund

Our latest blog post explores the link between school spending, local taxes, and housing prices. By investing in education, communities not only enhance home values but also create long-term social and economic benefits for residents. Read: https://ow.ly/pAll50VpZEb #EducationMatters #TeacherSalaries #InvestinEducation

A massive thank you to Equitable Advisors for hosting a special reception tonight in honor of the incredible Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year finalists! Thank you for celebrating these educational leaders who inspire, innovate, and empower our students every day. #Leadership #Education Duval County Public Schools

VyStar is challenging Jacksonville community to boost their savings! When you sign up for the VyStar Savings Challenge, you could win $1,000! Sign up today to learn how to build your emergency fund and enter for a chance to be one of 10 lucky winners: https://ow.ly/CYZ350V76mO #SavingsChallenge #withVyStar

ICYMI, check out the discussion from our Advocacy Night last week, where we took a deep dive into the Duval County Public Schools' legislative agenda and how you can be part of the process: https://ow.ly/NFB050VjnOE We hope you will join us in being the bridge from advocacy to action, ensuring a bright future for all Duval County students Duval County Public Schools #Advocacy #EducationPolicy

Jacksonville Public Education Fund is thrilled to support Duval County educators in participating in the Florida Chamber Foundation's Industry Immersion for Career Influencers—a game-changing pilot program connecting MS/HS Teachers, Counselors, and Postsecondary Career Advisors with industry leaders! 🔹 Gain firsthand insights into the skills needed for high-demand careers. 🔹 Network with industry partners and bring real-world knowledge back to your students. 🔹 K-12 educators on a 10-month contract receive a $200 Amazon gift card for full participation! 📅 Program Details: 📍 Virtual Sessions: June 9-11, 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM 📍 On-Site Industry Visit: June 12, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM (Location paired by the FL Chamber) This is an amazing opportunity to bridge education and industry—and we’d love to see Duval County well represented! 📥 Interested? Check out the details in the flyer and fill out the Interest Form! https://lnkd.in/e_aVmdYs Let’s Be the Bridge to the future workforce! 💡💼 #FutureReadyStudents #CareerEducation #DuvalProud

Happening tomorrow! Advocacy Night: DCPS Legislative Agenda - among the items the district is asking the legislature to address are more flexibility for teacher certification, more funding for school transportation and greater autonomy over school start times. Please join us for this discussion and share your thoughts as well! Register to attend online or in-person at https://ow.ly/4LvE50VgNhV Thursday, March 13 6 p.m. Jessie Ball DuPont Center, 40 E. Adams St. or online

Thank you to the Duval Delegation for taking the time to meet with the Jacksonville Public Education Fund during our time at the Florida State Capitol as the legislative session begins this week. We appreciate your public service and support, and that you took the time out of your busy schedules to hear our data and stories about the power of public-private partnerships to ensure public school students and educators receive the support they need to thrive. A very big thank you to the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations for organizing such an impactful time together with our peers from across the state. Friends, as the legislative session begins, our elected officials value hearing your voice and insights. Leofric W. Thomas, Jr.

The Florida Legislature is back in session! JPEF joined other members of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations at the Consortium Spring Conference, where JPEF President Rachael Tutwiler Fortune led the Legislative Information Session. We know the value of being engaged with policy makers and appreciate the time they take to listen and act on important education issues. #EducationPolicy

Recent research underscores the urgent need for investment in school infrastructure, especially HVAC upgrades. Schools with better air quality see improved test scores! Yet, disparities exist between low and high socioeconomic status districts. The research shows the importance of the school improvements being funded by the half cent sales tax. Read more: https://ow.ly/5vm550Vbl7w #EducationMatters #InvestInSchools

Meet Duval County Teacher of the Year finalist Aubrey Albaracin, a third- and fourth-grade special education teacher at Greenland Pines Elementary. Initially pursuing a career in nursing, she discovered her true passion during a pediatric rotation while working closely with children. Nearly 20,000 students in Duval County Public Schools have been identified as having disabilities, yet the district has only about half the number of teachers needed to serve them. Despite their critical role, special education teachers often face significant barriers to entry and retention. Join us on March 13 at 6 p.m. to hear more about the critical staffing needs schools face and policy changes that could help get more teachers like Ms. Albaracin in the classroom. Our Advocacy Night will dive into the DCPS legislative agenda with School Board Member Cindy Pearson and DCPS Director of Government Relations Kortney Wesley. You can join for free either online or inperson. Find out more and register at: https://ow.ly/h2sx50VbiHm #EducationAdvocacy #TeachersMatter