News

When thinking about building the best schools, people often mention having adequate classroom size; using bright, cheerful colors; ensuring furnishings are up-to-date; and providing new athletic facilities. But there is something you don’t see that can have a big impact on learning: the heating and cooling system. 

Monique Stewart is a dynamic and results-oriented professional with extensive experience in strategic planning, leadership development, and community engagement. In her most recent role, she served as the Director of Partnerships & Community Outreach at Duval County Public Schools, successfully leading the development of long-term strategic plans that align with district-wide goals, resulting in significant increases in team efficiency and project success rates.

Vincent Taylor, a math interventionist at Cedar Hills Elementary School and author of the popular “Cornbread” series of children’s books, was named the 2025 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year at the 34^th Annual EDDY Awards on Saturday, January 18th. Taylor, a teacher with 27 years of classroom experience, was selected from nearly 180 Teachers of the Year by a committee of volunteers.

The five finalists for Duval County Teacher of the Year have been announced. One of the finalists will be named the 2025 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year at the EDDY Awards on Jan. 18. Learn more about the finalists and how you can attend the EDDY Awards.

When we think about education, we often picture schools as the great equalizer—a place where every child has the same chance to succeed. But a closer look reveals a more complicated story, especially in the South, where the echoes of segregation still shape the landscape of public and private education.

The 15 semifinalists for the 2025 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year have been selected. The selection committee made up of a diverse cross-section of the community, selected the semifinalists from nearly 180 school-level Teachers of the Year. The 15 will be narrowed down to five semifinalists in December and the 2025 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year will be announced at the EDDY Awards on Jan. 18 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.

The Duval County School Board voted to close three schools in 2025 as part of a consolidation plan that will include three more schools the following year. More schools are likely to be consolidated as the board looks to reduce costs.

Parents and caregivers interested in becoming better advocates for their children are invited to apply for Parents Who Lead, a 20-week program of Duval County Public Schools, the Jacksonville Public Education Fund and Kids Hope Alliance. 

The search for the 2025 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year has begun! Principals from nearly 180 Duval County schools nominated a teacher to be named the Teacher of the Year for Duval County. The 2025 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year will be announced at the EDDY Awards, presented by the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF), Saturday, January 18, 2025. 

It all started with donation of school supplies in 2022. The parishioners of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Riverside wanted to bring back a sense of community connection and support by helping our local elementary school as we made our way out of COVID-era restrictions. So, we started with one simple gesture each fall of donating school supplies.