From the desk of Coach Jacobs

A letter to District 4.

In his own words — why Coach Jacobs is running, what he’s prepared to do, and his commitment to every family in District 4.

James C. “Coach” Jacobs
Candidate · Duval County School Board · District 4

Dear Neighbors and Stakeholders of District 4,

I am writing to share my vision and commitment as your candidate for School Board District 4. With a career dedicated to Duval County’s public, private, and charter schools since 2001, I am deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, parents, and faculty.

Experience and Education

To better serve our community, I earned my Associate of Arts degree, a Bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Management, and a Master of Science in Management and Administration of Educational Programs. I am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Education in Organizational Leadership. Additionally, I hold EMT and First Responder certifications, ensuring I am well-equipped to address public safety solutions within our schools. I currently serve as a Dean of Students, which provides me with daily insight into the direct needs of our students.

My Key Priorities for District 4

  • School Safety: I advocate for comprehensive safety and oppose arming teachers, focusing instead on professional security solutions and supporting our educators.
  • Student Support: I will advocate for the free lunch program in all District 4 schools, address truancy, and improve swimming pool safety.
  • Expanded Programming: I am committed to increasing after-school and summer programs for students with Emotional Behavioral Disabilities (EBD), reinstating individual 7th and 8th-grade sports teams, and creating new 6th-grade teams.
  • Teacher and Staff Advocacy: I support increasing stipends for part-time athletic coaches and will advocate for cafeteria and facilities employees. I will work closely with school unions to protect employee rights, pay, and benefits.
  • Mental Health: I will advocate for students with mental illness and work to increase educational training and suicide awareness in our schools.
  • Infrastructure: I support renovating older schools to create better learning environments. We should be building schools, not closing them.

Transparency and Partnership

I am committed to holding monthly community meetings to provide voters with a “State of the Schools” update, ensuring you remain informed. Furthermore, I will work closely with faith-based organizations in District 4 to create a transparent partnership for everyone.

I believe in being a consistent presence in every school across our district. By focusing strategically on the needs of every child, we can provide the best education possible for all students.

Lastly, you will never have to worry about Coach making backroom deals with any special interest groups. Coach will fight for everyone’s rights daily.

Support the campaign

You can donate via Cash App — $jamescjacobs5 or Apple Pay Cash — (904) 534-7452.

I look forward to earning your support.

Best regards,
“Coach” James C. Jacobs
Candidate for School Board · District 4