Who is running for School Board, District 4 (Duval County School Board District 4, Florida) in 2026?

Dean of students, Duval County Charter School at Westside

James "Coach" Jacobs, 44, is dean of students, athletic director and coach at the Duval County Charter School at Westside and has worked in schools for more than 26 years²⁴. He holds degrees from Florida State College and Nova Southeastern University². He is one of two candidates printed on the ballot for Duval County School Board District 4, an open seat; he received 39 percent in the August primary³⁴.

• Dean of students, athletic director and coach, Duval County Charter School at Westside²⁴
• More than 26 years serving schools in various roles²
• A.A. (2014) and B.A. in public safety management (2016), Florida State College; master's degree (2022), Nova Southeastern University; doctoral student there²
• Previously ran unsuccessfully for Jacksonville City Council (2017, 2019 and 2021, per Jacksonville Today)⁴
• Not currently on the board. District 4 is open because incumbent Darryl Willie is term-limited⁴. Jacobs advanced from the Aug. 18, 2026 primary with 39 percent and is on the Nov. 3 ballot¹³.

Educator and business owner

Rhodesia "Rho" Butler, 55, has spent more than 21 years in Duval County Public Schools as a teacher, dean, assistant principal, principal and area director². She has also run a performing arts school and nonprofit for more than 36 years². She is one of two candidates printed on the ballot for Duval County School Board District 4, an open seat¹⁴.

• More than 21 years in Duval County Public Schools: teacher, specialist, Early College coordinator, dean, assistant principal, principal and area director²
• More than 36 years operating a performing arts school and nonprofit²
• Florida State University; master's in educational leadership, Jacksonville University²
• Campaign work on political races, including campaign manager for a 2015 Jacksonville City Council race; no prior elected office listed²
• Not currently on the board. District 4 is open because incumbent Darryl Willie is term-limited⁴. Butler advanced from the Aug. 18, 2026 primary and is on the Nov. 3 ballot¹³.

Retired Duval County educator

Gracie Bell Kearse-McCastler is a retired educator with 33 years in Duval County schools and a Jacksonville native whose three children attended District 4 public schools². She is a write-in candidate for Duval County School Board District 4. Her name is not printed on the ballot; a voter who wants her must write her name on the District 4 write-in line⁴. She is listed as a qualified write-in candidate by the Florida Division of Elections¹.

• 33 years as a Duval County educator; now retired²
• No prior elected office listed²
• Not currently on the board. She qualified as a write-in candidate for District 4, an open seat¹. Her name is not printed on the ballot, and she receives votes only if voters write her name in²⁴.