The JAX Chamber Board of Directors officially voted to support the Duval County Public Schools referendum to upgrade and replace aging school infrastructure.

A high-quality public education system is essential to developing top talent for local companies and attracting investment to our community. The schools are proposing a $1.9 billion facility improvement plan to update, maintain and, in some cases, build new schools. Voters will be asked to approve a half-cent sales tax increase in November to fund the program.

“This is an important investment in our public school system and in our community,” JAX Chamber Chair Henry Brown said. “The referendum would pay for needed upgrades and comes at a time where the influx of construction jobs will be critical for our local economy.”

Duval County Public Schools graduation rates have continued to climb in recent years, exceeding 86 percent in 2018-19, and the district was just one percentage point away from being named an “A” district by the Florida Department of Education.

The Chamber will work with Duval County Public Schools and other supporters of the referendum to help the measure pass in November.

About JAX Chamber

The JAX Chamber is the business membership organization dedicated to driving quality economic growth in Northeast Florida to make this region the best place to live, work and play. Membership provides the opportunity to connect with and buy from other Chamber members. The connections result in business growth and a more prosperous economy.