Jacksonville Public Education Fund

A very big Jacksonville Public Education Fund welcome to Dr. Asante Dean, who is serving with us as a Summer Policy and Advocacy Fellow through LEE.

We’re hiring! JPEF is seeking a Senior Manager, Data & Research to help lead the research, data briefs, and impact analyses that inform our work and strengthen the case for investing in Jacksonville’s future-ready education ecosystem.

This role is ideal for someone who is intellectually curious, collaborative, and mission-driven, with a passion for using evidence to support public education, civic engagement, and community impact.

Join us in helping shape the future of education in Jacksonville.

Learn more and apply: https://ow.ly/LsyR50Z9W4N,

We are thrilled to be surrounded by passionate educators as we dive into the future of education and technology at the Duval County Public Schools AI Summit! JPEF was pleased to sponsor keynote speaker Trevor Muir, who inspired teachers to innovate with purpose to unlock the potential in every student.

Today, JPEF’s Board of Directors came together for an inspiring retreat: Looking Back, Leaning Forward.

As we reflected on our journey and looked toward the future, our Board officially adopted JPEF’s bold new strategic framework for FY 2027–2030, positioning us to accelerate our impact in public education and expand opportunity for Jacksonville students.

We're energized by what’s ahead and grateful for the leadership and and support of our Board.

More to do. More to come. Stay tuned!

Last night we celebrated these amazing Duval County Public Schools school leaders and the work they’ve been doing through the Community of Practice to improve their school communities for teachers and students.

Their projects reflect what is possible when leaders are given the time, space and support to listen deeply, solve real challenges and build stronger school cultures from within. From strengthening relationships and trust to creating more supportive environments for students and educators, their work is already making a meaningful difference.

We are grateful for their leadership, their vulnerability, and their commitment to creating schools where both students and teachers can thrive. Congratulations to this inspiring group of leaders!

Thank you, too, to the Center for Children's Rights and the Partnership for Child Health for your partnership on JPEF's School Leadership Initiative Community of Practice!

Thank you to The Florida Times-Union for giving us the opportunity to publicly say what we believe every day: Duval County teachers deserve our gratitude and support.

From JPEF’s Board members and staff, we are deeply thankful for the educators who are making a difference in classrooms across Jacksonville. Your work shapes students, strengthens schools, and helps build the future of our community.

Duval public school teachers deserve our support every day | Opinion Jacksonville Public Education Fund board members urge year-round support and investment in educators.

As the school year comes to a close, let’s take a moment to thank the teachers who showed up day after day for our students.

They taught the lessons, encouraged the questions, celebrated the wins, offered steady support through the hard moments, and helped students believe in what’s possible.

Now it’s our turn to show them some love. 💙

Drop a note of thanks in the comments for a teacher who made a difference this year, whether they taught your child, inspired you, supported your school, or helped shape your community.

Let’s fill this space with gratitude for the educators who give so much all year long.

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice reminds us that freedom, opportunity, and community are never things to take for granted. At JPEF, we are grateful for all who have served, and especially mindful today of those who paid the ultimate price.

May we remember them with gratitude, humility and a renewed commitment to building a stronger future for the next generation.

We are excited to invite you to join us for JPEF’s upcoming Postsecondary Success Convening on Tuesday, May 26, 2026! This gathering is an opportunity to reconnect, strengthen relationships, and continue building momentum around long-term student success in Jacksonville.

During the convening, attendees will:
Hear the latest updates on JPEF’s postsecondary success research
Engage with stakeholders across education, workforce, and community sectors
Collaborate on strategies to better connect classrooms, careers, and futures for students

Dinner will be provided, and there is no cost to attend.

We hope you will join us as we continue working together to accelerate progress for young people in our community.

Please register at your earliest convenience and feel free to invite a colleague: https://ow.ly/CU4E50Z2ZKe

We’re proud that Dr. Shameka Brown represented the Jacksonville Public Education Fund at the Youth Skills and Employment Accelerator Leadership Lab in New York City, hosted by the Global Business Coalition for Education.

Over three days, Dr. Brown joined nonprofit leaders from across the country for important conversations about workforce development, career-connected learning, AI in education, sustainable business partnerships, and the skills young people need to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.

One clear message emerged: the future of education cannot be built in silos. Preparing young people for the future of work, economic mobility, and lifelong success requires strong partnerships across schools, families, nonprofits, and industry.

For JPEF, this experience strengthens our focus on educator leadership, career-connected learning, and future-ready opportunities for students and families across Jacksonville. We’re excited to bring these national insights and relationships back to our local work.