Coach James Jacobs, candidate for Duval County School Board, District 4
Duval County School Board · District 4 · 2026

Put me in,
Coach.

Coach James Jacobs — an educator since 2001, current Dean of Students, father, and community leader — is running for the Duval County School Board, District 4. A familiar face in our schools and on our fields, Coach Jacobs is ready to be everyone’s voice and put our kids first.

Get Involved → Meet Coach Jacobs
Portrait of Coach James Jacobs
Meet Coach Jacobs

Educator. Father.
Coach.

Coach James Jacobs has been dedicated to education since 2001, serving students across public, private, and charter schools. Today he serves as a Dean of Students — and to the kids and families who know him, he’s simply “Coach,” the one who shows up, listens, and pushes every student to reach their potential.

His preparation runs deep: a Bachelor’s in Public Safety Management, a Master’s in the Management and Administration of Educational Programs, and a Doctorate in Education in Organizational Leadership currently underway. He also holds EMT and First Responder certifications — because keeping our students safe isn’t a talking point for Coach Jacobs, it’s personal.

A proud father and community leader, he’s committed to monthly community meetings and transparent partnerships with our faith-based and community organizations — bringing that same show-up-and-serve commitment to every school in District 4.

See the Playbook →
Why Coach

Coach Jacobs cares.

A school board member should be more than a name on a ballot. Coach Jacobs will be present, accessible, and accountable to every family in District 4.

No. 01 — In our schools

Visible every week

Coach Jacobs will be present in District 4 schools every week — seeing what’s working, hearing what isn’t, and showing up long after Election Day.

No. 02 — Open & accountable

Monthly community meetings

Coach Jacobs will hold monthly community meetings and build transparent partnerships with our faith-based and community organizations — a voice for every corner of District 4.

No. 03 — Kids first

Our kids come first

Every decision starts with one question: is this better for our children? That’s the standard Coach Jacobs will bring to the board.

The District 4 Playbook

Six priorities. One team.

Coach Jacobs’s game plan for stronger, safer schools across District 4.

i.

School Safety

Safe schools, done the right way — through trained, professional security, not by arming our teachers.
  • Professional school-security solutions
  • Opposing arming teachers
ii.

Student Support

Meeting students’ basic needs so every child shows up ready to learn.
  • Free breakfast & lunch for all District 4 students
  • Addressing truancy
  • Improving pool safety
iii.

Expanded Programming

More opportunities for our students, in and out of the classroom.
  • After-school & summer programs for students with Emotional Behavioral Disabilities (EBD)
  • Expanding middle-school sports
iv.

Staff Advocacy

Standing up for the people who keep our schools running.
  • Higher stipends for part-time coaches
  • Supporting facilities & cafeteria employees
  • Standing with our school unions
v.

Mental Health

Caring for the whole student — and the whole staff.
  • More mental-health and educational training
  • Suicide-awareness education
vi.

Infrastructure

Investing in the schools we already have.
  • Renovating older schools rather than closing them
Join the team →
I’ll be everyone’s voice — visible in our schools every week, fighting for our teachers, and putting our kids first.
James “Coach” Jacobs
In his words

Meet Coach Jacobs.

Your vote
Duval County · 2026 Election

Make your voice count.

Register, check your status, and get everything you need to be ready to vote in District 4.

Register to Vote → Check Your Voter Status Voting Information
Get involved

Join the team.

Volunteer, host a yard sign, or just say hello. This campaign is built one neighbor at a time — and we’d love to have you on the team for District 4’s kids.

District
Duval County · District 4

Send Coach a message

Questions, ideas, or want to help out? Drop a note and the campaign will get right back to you.