Gracie Kearse-McCastler
Gracie Bell Kearse-McCastler is a Jacksonville native who spent 33 years in Duval County Public Schools as a teacher and assistant principal. She and her three children attended District 4 public schools. She is running as a write-in candidate, so her name does not appear printed on the ballot.
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Sources last checked 2026-09-21. Report an error ↗
Positions on the major issues
Compare with opponents →Each entry describes what the candidate has said or done, and what they say they will do, in neutral terms with sources. The chip shows how that relates to the statement voters rate in the matching tool.
Taxes & spending Leans disagree· stated position
Asked about renewal of the district's one-mill local property tax for schools, Kearse-McCastler said she would support it fully rather than let the levy lapse.
"I would support that bill 100%"
Teacher and staff pay Strongly agrees· stated position
Kearse-McCastler says teachers are overworked and underpaid and backs renewal of the district's one-mill property tax, which funds salaries, saying she would support it fully.
"Teachers are overworked and underpaid."
School safety approach Leans disagree· stated position
Kearse-McCastler raises the school-to-prison pipeline and high disciplinary referral rates among minority students as concerns, framing discipline as something to reduce rather than tighten.
No public position found on 4 issues
We searched campaign sites, questionnaires, interviews, votes and official actions and did not find a clear stance on: Property taxes, Education & school choice, Gender identity laws, Library and classroom materials. This is reported as unknown rather than guessed from party affiliation; these issues are excluded from this candidate's match score.
Other issues this candidate has raised
- Distribution of experienced teachers — Kearse-McCastler advocates a more equitable distribution of experienced educators across District 4 schools and says schools should keep showcasing their accomplishments to attract families.