Three new members will join the Duval County School Board after the Nov. 3 election, replacing nearly half the board as the district faces budget pressures, declining enrollment and school closure decisions.

Donovan Bradley won the District 2 seat representing the Beaches. As we reported Nov. 5, Bradley defeated career teacher Donna Westrich. Rhodesia Butler claimed the District 4 seat, and Lindsey Denmark won District 6. All three are expected to be sworn in Nov. 17, according to First Coast News.

Butler takes District 4

Butler, a former Duval County public school teacher and area director with the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida, won the District 4 seat representing Jacksonville's Northside and northwest side. She defeated charter school dean of students James Jacobs and write-in candidate Gracie Bell Kearse-McCastler with just over 50% of the vote, the Florida Trib reported.

Butler replaces term-limited member Darryl Willie. She is also CEO of the SimplyRhoLee 3. Butler said she taught at several Duval County schools, including Jean Ribault High School and Highlands Middle School, and held roles as assistant principal and dean.

She said she plans to focus on teacher retention and attracting more families to District 4 schools. Butler raised more than $40,000 in campaign contributions and received endorsements from Duval Teachers United, the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters and At-Large City Council member Moné Holder.

Denmark wins District 6

Denmark, a realtor and volunteer children's ministry director, won the District 6 seat with 53% of the vote, defeating Duval County School Police Sgt. Clarence "CJ" James, the Florida Trib reported. The district covers the westernmost area of Duval County, including Baldwin.

She replaces outgoing board Chair Charlotte Joyce. Denmark listed her priorities as safe campuses, parental rights, early reading proficiency and adding financial literacy and civics lessons, according to First Coast News. Her campaign said she previously launched a literacy program at Rutledge Pearson Elementary School.

Denmark reported more than $124,000 in monetary campaign contributions and received endorsements from Joyce, board Vice Chair April Carney and state Sen. Clay Yarborough.

What it means for Beaches families

Bradley, 26, is the new board voice for Beaches-area schools, including Duncan U. Fletcher High School, Fletcher Middle School and Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School. A Fletcher High graduate who also attended Mayport Middle School, Bradley said his priorities include expanding career and technical education and supporting teachers, according to First Coast News.

The board's conservative majority has stayed largely intact with the transition, the Florida Trib reported. Butler, a registered Democrat, continues the progressive legacy of the District 4 seat. Denmark and Bradley both received endorsements from outgoing members backed by Moms for Liberty.

The three incoming members take office as Duval County Public Schools navigates budget and enrollment challenges, school closure decisions and a planned headquarters move. The swearing-in is set for Nov. 17.