Fund set up to offset costs to rename schools
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund has created a special fund to allow community members to support the renaming of several public schools through tax-deductible donations.
On June 16, the Duval County School Board voted unanimously, 7-0, to begin the renaming process for six public schools whose names honor Confederate leaders: Joseph Finegan Elementary, Stonewall Jackson Elementary, Jefferson Davis Middle, Kirby-Smith Middle, J.E.B. Stuart Middle and Robert E. Lee High. The fund would help offset the costs of renaming the six schools if the Duval County School Board approves the new names.
“Research shows students are better able to learn when they feel welcome and represented at school,” said Jacksonville Public Education Fund President Rachael Tutwiler Fortune.
Warren Jones, chairman of the Duval County School Board is on board with establishing the fund. “This is an opportunity for people to demonstrate their support for this initiative by helping offset the cost,” said Jones. “I’m very thankful that JPEF is helping us establish this fund because it gives all corporate and individual residents an opportunity to really buy into change and progress and demonstrate that our city is truly pursuing a new future of anti-racism and appreciation for all residents.”
Jones is the board member who initiated the process to consider new names for these six schools. The process will begin after school starts in August and is inclusive of stakeholders of each school including students, faculty and staff, alumni, and residents in the school’s attendance zone.
Through the School Renaming Fund, community members can make tax-deductible donations to help offset the costs of renaming the schools, which can include new signage, new paint, refinishing athletic fields and courts, and providing new uniforms to sports teams and bands. JPEF is proud to serve as fiscal agent for Duval County Public Schools in this effort, allowing contributions to be tax-deductible through JPEF’s 501(c)3 status. JPEF will use contributions to the Fund to make grants to schools that are renamed. Supporters can make donations immediately at jaxpef.org/renaming.
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