Four of seven seats on the Duval County School Board are up for election this year. These are nonpartisan races that will appear on the August primary ballot. In District 1, school board member Kelly Coker is not seeking re-election. Nadine Ebri and Tony Ricardo are running in this race, which will appear on the ballot for all voters in this district, regardless of party affiliation.
News4Jax sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.
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Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
| NON-PARTISAN CANDIDATES |
Nadine Ebri
Occupation: Global Education Community Manager for a large educational technology company
Age: 33
Family: Married to my husband of nine years with a daughter in Duval County Public Schools
Education: Bachelors in Elementary Education, Masters in Educational Leadership, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership
Political experience: My background is firmly rooted in education, and I take immense pride in being an educator rather than a politician. One of the most significant issues we face today is the influx of political agendas into our school boards, often overshadowing important issues teachers, students, and parents experience every day.
To effectively serve as a school board member, I firmly believe that a background in education is paramount. With over ten years of experience working within the Duval County school system, particularly in historically marginalized communities, I have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and needs of our students and teachers. I have taught every grade level from kindergarten to 8th grade, and I have also worked at the district level, gaining invaluable insights into the broader educational landscape.
Currently, I serve at a global level, collaborating with districts worldwide, which has further enriched my perspective on effective educational practices. My experience as an educator and a doctoral student equipped me with the skills to meticulously analyze policies and advocate for the necessary changes to drive meaningful progress in our schools.
It is crucial to move beyond electing politicians with political agendas to our school boards. Instead, we must prioritize voting for educators who are deeply invested in the well-being and success of our diverse student population. With my extensive educational experience and dedication, I am committed to making impactful changes in the Duval County public school system, ensuring that we place #StudentsOverPolitics.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
One of the most pressing issues in this race is the potential closure of over 30 schools due to budget constraints and declining enrollment. More than 10,000 students have left Duval County Public Schools for charter and private schools in the past few years. To address this, I propose a comprehensive approach that includes conducting thorough reviews to understand why students and teachers are leaving, which involves surveys, focus groups, and open forums with all stakeholders to gather insights and data. Additionally, I advocate for promoting and supporting the development and expansion of innovative programs to cater to diverse student interests and needs, making our schools more attractive to families. Teacher retention and support are also crucial, and I support policies that create a supportive work environment, including professional development opportunities, competitive salaries, and recognition programs to retain exceptional educators. Furthermore, fostering community and parental engagement through partnerships with community organizations and ensuring active involvement in school activities and decision-making processes through advisory councils and other collaborative efforts is vital.
Another key issue is community involvement, which is essential for a thriving school system. To foster this, I propose building strong partnerships with local businesses, non-profits, and community organizations to provide resources, mentorship programs, and real-world learning experiences for students. Inclusive policymaking is also important, and I support establishing advisory councils that include parents, students, teachers, and community members to participate in policy development and major decisions, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered. Expanding volunteer programs to allow community members to actively participate in school activities and provide additional support for students is another priority. Additionally, maintaining transparent communication between the school board and the community is essential to foster trust and accountability in decision-making processes.
Preparing students for the future is another critical issue. I advocate for integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education across all schools, with a focus on equitable access for students from historically marginalized communities. Leveraging technology by promoting policies that support the integration of modern technologies into the curriculum will provide students with hands-on experiences and access to the latest tools and resources. Expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs is also important to offer students practical skills and training in various fields, enhancing their employability and readiness for the job market. Supporting professional development for teachers is essential, as continuous opportunities will keep them updated with the latest educational technologies and teaching methodologies, ensuring they can effectively prepare students for the future.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I can offer unique and invaluable support to voters and our community in ways that other candidates cannot. I am not controlled by politicians or political groups, allowing me to remain genuinely community-focused and open-minded. I actively listen to and incorporate the diverse perspectives of our community, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and valued.
My experience as a global community manager for a large tech company puts me at the forefront of educational innovation. I work with districts and nonprofits worldwide, bringing cutting-edge ideas and practices into schools and organizations. This bird’s-eye view of global educational trends equips me with a deep understanding of the resources and knowledge students need to succeed in an ever-evolving workforce. My global perspective allows me to create policies that ensure our students have access to the necessary materials and resources to thrive in the future.
Furthermore, I am a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion. In a time when recent harmful policies in Florida have dismantled initiatives that protected students from historically marginalized communities, it is crucial to have a leader who embraces and celebrates diversity. With Duval being such a diverse district, where 70% of the students are students of color from various backgrounds, we need someone who sees this diversity as a strength and not as something to fight against. My commitment to fostering inclusive policies and protecting the rights of all students ensures that no one is left behind.
It is essential to have a school board member who understands the changing societal landscape and the needs of our students. We cannot afford to have leaders who create divisive and harmful policies. I bring a forward-thinking, inclusive, and community-centered approach that will unite us and drive positive change in our schools.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I hope to be remembered as the candidate who truly brought the community into the policymaking process, ensuring that everyone felt included and connected with our school board and schools. I aim to foster unity by actively listening to and incorporating diverse voices from all perspectives into our policies.
I also hope to be remembered as the school board member who effectively engaged businesses and community members in our schools. Given the current state of Duval County Public Schools, it is clear that we cannot achieve success alone—it will require a collective effort. There are numerous talented individuals and businesses eager to contribute to our schools, but many face barriers due to existing gatekeepers. I aspire to be known as the board member who broke down those barriers and brought in all necessary resources to transform our school system.
Additionally, I hope to be remembered for creating innovative and engaging policies that made STEM education accessible to every school, not just select magnet schools. I want to ensure that students at all schools have the opportunities and experiences they need to succeed in the future.
Most importantly, I want to be known as the school board member who maintained integrity, stayed above politics and political agendas, and always prioritized what was right for the students. My legacy would be one of putting #StudentsOverPolitics and making lasting, positive changes for the future of our community.
Campaign website: www.VoteNadineEbri.org
Campaign social media: Facebook
Tony Ricardo
Occupation: Commercial Artist; former Teacher at Andrew Jackson High School, and New Covenant Christian Academy
Age: 65
Family: I was married for 37 years and widowed in 2018. I have three great adult children, all of whom graduated from the public school system, and are very successful in business. I am remarried, and claim 8 children as grands.
Education: Graduate of Bishop Kenny High School; B.A. Jacksonville University
Political experience: I have never run for public office, but have volunteered in several campaigns in the past.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
1).Classroom Safety has to be at the top of the list, as it affects student enrollment (and funding), teacher retention, as well as student well-being; 2). Teacher Retention is poor and affects the quality of education provided; 3). Accountability for spending and decision- making.
Student discipline seems to be at the heart of several issues plaguing the public schools, and I believe the discipline code needs to revised to include more serious consequences for serious and repeat offenders. Teachers now cite this as a primary reason for leaving the profession, and injury claims are rising, so the issue must now be addressed more seriously, and acts of violence against school staff should not be tolerated.
The board also needs to exercise more accountability for its spending practices, and one way to start is with an outside audit, so everyone can see where all the money has disappeared to- we cannot continue to overspend, and then insist on taxes being raised to make up for the shortfall.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
Being responsive to voters who have legitimate concerns regarding the education of their children, rather than being dismissive is one way to help voters- it is a responsibility I would take very seriously as an elected representative.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I hope to be remembered as a person who cared about the quality of the public education system, and made it possible for more students to become better prepared for adult life.
Campaign website: www.voteTonyRicardo.com
Campaign social media: Facebook