Donovan Bradley will represent Beaches-area schools on the Duval County School Board after defeating Donna Westrich with about 53% of the vote Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Bradley's win in District 2 was one of three races that will seat newcomers on the seven-member board. Rhodesia "Rho" Butler won District 4, and Lindsey Denmark won District 6, according to unofficial results from the Duval County Supervisor of Elections. All 159 precincts reported, though some vote-by-mail ballots were still being counted as of Nov. 4.

The turnover is significant for Beaches families. District 2 covers Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach and the Intracoastal West area, including Duncan U. Fletcher High School, Fletcher Middle School and Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School.

Bradley replaces Carney

Bradley, 26, takes over for outgoing Vice Chair April Carney, who chose not to seek a second term. He received 28,623 votes to Westrich's 25,086.

A Fletcher High and Mayport Middle graduate, Bradley described himself in his candidate questionnaire as a policy analyst for a local nonprofit who reviews contracts and legislation with a focus on education policy. He previously worked as a legislative aide in the Florida House of Representatives.

Bradley campaigned on expanding career and technical education, reducing what he called overreliance on technology in elementary classrooms, supporting teacher pay and increasing budget transparency. His mother has taught in Duval County Public Schools since 1996, and his paternal grandmother was a paraprofessional at Neptune Beach Elementary, according to his questionnaire responses.

Westrich, a marine science teacher at Fletcher High since 2023, ran what she described as a nonpartisan grassroots campaign built on 20 years of classroom experience.

All three races decided by slim margins

Jacksonville Today reported that all three school board contests were close. Butler edged James "Coach" Jacobs in District 4 with 50.63% of the vote, the tightest margin of the night. Denmark won District 6 with about 53%.

Butler replaces term-limited Darryl Willie. She is an area director with the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida and previously taught at several Duval County public schools, according to First Coast News. Denmark, a realtor and former infrastructure grant consultant, replaces term-limited Board Chair Charlotte Joyce.

Jacksonville Today reported that each newly elected member was endorsed by the outgoing representative in their district.

Millage renewal passes

Voters also renewed the district's 1-mill property tax levy by a wide margin. About 75% voted in favor, up from just over half when the levy first passed four years ago, according to Jacksonville Today.

The levy costs the average Jacksonville homeowner $300 per year and generates about $125 million annually. The district uses the money to pay teachers more competitive salaries and support arts and athletics programs.

Superintendent Chris Bernier said in a statement on Nov. 3 that the renewal "sends a clear and powerful message" of community support for the A-rated district.

The new board will navigate budget and enrollment issues, school closure decisions and a headquarters move, according to First Coast News.