Duval County School Board adopts $3.404 billion 2025-26 budget, sets millage rates
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Summary
The Duval County School Board unanimously approved the district's 2025-26 final budget and multiple millage levies Sept. 11, 2025, while staff warned a missing state funding calculation may require future adjustments; a student speaker urged greater student engagement in budgeting.
The Duval County School Board on Sept. 11, 2025, unanimously adopted the district's 2025-26 final budget totaling $3,404,448,304 and approved a slate of millage levies for the coming year.
The board approved budget resolutions across multiple funds and the district's annual financial report (AFR-ESE 348). Dr. Bernier read the recommendations and presented the fiscal summary: an operating budget of $1,580,384,319; special revenue $262,691,785; debt service $241,335,317; capital outlay $1,112,884,609; trust fund $75,293; internal service $205,172,408; and enterprise $1,904,573.
At the public hearings tied to the budget, the board adopted the required local effort millage of 3.095 mills (proposed revenue $375,536,881), the nonvoted discretionary operating millage of 0.748 mills (proposed revenue $90,759,802), the voted discretionary operating millage of 1.000 mill (proposed revenue $121,336,634) and the capital outlay millage of 1.500 mills (proposed revenue $182,004,951). Each of those items passed by unanimous 7-0 votes.
Board member Pearson asked whether the district had received the State of Florida's fourth funding calculation, which can affect final totals. "We have not received the fourth calculations from the state of Florida yet," Dr. Bernier said, adding that staff used the best available estimates and would return to the board with revised numbers if the state calculation arrives.
During the final budget hearing, Moa Don, a student and community member, urged the board to do more to help students understand and participate in the budgeting process: "Students wanna be involved in this as hard as it may be ... it's something that I think students deserve to be a part of, and to learn a little bit about." The chair responded that the district posts monthly financials, the audit advisory committee reviews budget materials and staff are available to meet with students and community groups to improve engagement.
All budget and millage actions were approved by recorded board motions and voice votes at the special meeting. The board closed the meeting after adopting the final budget and adjourned by unanimous vote.
What happens next: Dr. Bernier said the district will incorporate the state's fourth calculation if and when it arrives and return to the board with amended figures only if changes are required.
