As your elected Superintendent, but more importantly, as a fellow citizen, taxpayer and neighbor here in Clay County, I believe in the power of our community to make informed decisions. As we approach the Nov. 3 election, there is a critical measure waiting at the very end of your ballot that directly impacts the future of our county: the Clay County School Board Referendum.
I want to speak to you directly about what this referendum accomplishes, how it has evolved and what it means for our classrooms. First and foremost, we must be very clear about the facts: this is not a new millage. Because this measure is simply a renewal of the existing operating millage, it continues our current funding level without increasing the millage rate. If passed, it will span another four years, from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2031.
Years ago, voters trusted us with the initial millage, and those funds were used exactly as promised to harden our schools. Because of that dedicated funding, our district successfully installed perimeter fencing and established secure single points of entry at every campus in the district.
With those major physical security infrastructure projects completed, we are restructuring the renewal to meet our current and most pressing needs. For this cycle, the revenue will be split between two vital priorities: continuing to fund certified law enforcement officers in our schools and providing competitive employee compensation. Unlike general state education dollars distributed from Tallahassee, 100% of the revenue generated by this millage remains right here inside Clay County.
When it comes to safety, this renewed millage fully funds our interlocal agreements with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Green Cove Springs Police Department and the Orange Park Police Department. This ensures that a sworn, certified School Resource Officer (SRO) is stationed daily on every traditional public school campus and eligible charter school.
The newly added second half of the funding is directed toward our incredible instructional and support staff. Clay County District Schools has maintained an official "A" rating from the Florida Department of Education every year since 2018, with 98% of our local campuses currently earning an A or B grade. Our academic performance is a direct reflection of the work taking place in our classrooms every day. To maintain those outstanding results, we must be able to retain and recruit high-quality teachers. Neighboring counties in Northeast Florida already have voter-approved millages in place to recruit talent. Without local funding to keep our compensation competitive, we face the objective reality of losing experienced educators to those surrounding districts.
I also want to be transparent about the practical reality of what happens if this measure fails. If the referendum is not renewed by voters, the school district loses all of the funding that this one mill brings in, and there is no backup state funding to replace it. Factually, that means the district will no longer have the funding to station a dedicated SRO on every campus every day, nor will we have the dedicated revenue stream to maintain competitive compensation for our staff.
Additionally, I want to clear up a common point of confusion: our local school millage is completely separate from the statewide Amendment 3. While the constitutional measure addresses homestead exemptions, it does not alter or replace our local school operational funding. Our millage is an independent, county-specific measure dedicated exclusively to local public schools.
As a taxpayer myself, I value financial oversight just as much as you do. All future expenditures from this millage will continue to be subject to strict independent review by a Citizens' Oversight Committee, and revenues will be shared proportionately with eligible local charter schools.
When you head to the polls, you will find this referendum as the very final item listed on the back of your general election ballot. My objective as your Superintendent and neighbor is to ensure every voter enters the booth with clear, factual information. I encourage you to read the exact ballot language, review budget breakdowns, and find answers to common questions by visiting OneClay.net/Renewal. Most importantly, I encourage you to go out and vote to have your voice heard. Whatever you decide at the ballot box, I deeply appreciate your continued support of Clay County District Schools and your dedication to our students.
