FOR CHILDREN.
FOR JACKSONVILLE.
VOTE FOR KELLY AUGUST 18!
Meet Kelly
Kelly Coker is an accomplished educator with the knowledge and desire to make our schools better for children! After graduating with her Masters’ Degree in Education from Jacksonville University, Kelly began as a young middle school teacher with the Duval County Public Schools. Over the next 27 years, she went on to obtain her Doctoral Degree from the University of North Florida and to serve as a Principal, Region Superintendent, and, most recently, Assistant Superintendent.
During her career, she expanded school choice options for all children, oversaw a 29 million-dollar budget, and led multiple divisions across the school district. Working with parents, local business leaders, and school principals, she was able to establish new workforce development programs, expand dual enrollment options, and achieve record high district graduation rates.
Kelly is a 4th generation Jacksonville native who has lived in School Board District 1 her entire life. She and her husband of 27 years continue to live in the neighborhood where she grew up. They are the proud parents of a daughter who recently graduated from Duval County Public Schools and now attends the University of Virginia.
Kelly’s Priorities
01.
Focus on Reading
Strong reading skills remain one of the greatest predictors of a child’s educational success. Without the ability to read at grade level, a child is unable to fully understand science, social studies, and math. As a school board member, Kelly will make certain that the school district provides a comprehensive reading program allowing each child to be successful at every grade level.
02.
Prepare Students
for the Workforce
Working with local business leaders, Kelly will advocate for programs aligned with local workforce needs. This will ensure that every child who decides to go straight into the workforce upon graduation will be prepared for success.
03.
Increase Community and School Partnerships
After school programs, extracurricular opportunities, mental health services, and mentoring groups often play a critical role in the lives of children. Kelly will work with business leaders, as well as faith-based organizations and non-profit organizations to encourage community partnerships and programs supporting children both in and outside of the classroom.
04.
Ensure Taxpayer
Dollar Transparency
As a 1.8 billion dollar organization, it is imperative that the school district exercise financial responsibility and accountability. As a board member, Kelly will ensure school funding best supports students, teachers, and school leaders in a cost-effective manner.
“I am running for School Board because I believe every child deserves a high-quality education. During my 27 years as an educator, I had the privilege to work with parents, teachers, school administrators, and community members from across our city. I would like to put my experience and knowledge towards creating policies that best support our children and move our school district forward.”
—Kelly
Career Highlights Within Duval Public Schools
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Classroom Teacher, Landmark Middle School
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Vice-Principal, Paxon School For Advanced Studies
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Principal, Darnell Cookman Middle School
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Principal, Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School
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Executive Director for Duval County Public Schools, Middle Schools
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Region Chief for Duval County Public Schools, K-12 Schools
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Region Superintendent for Duval County Public Schools, High Schools
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Assistant Superintendent for Duval County Public Schools: Data and Analytics / Information Technology / Accelerated Programs / School Counseling / Career and Technical Education / High School Graduation Initiatives / College Scholarship Initiatives
EDUCATIONAL BACKGrouND
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Bachelor's Degree in Education: University of Florida
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Master's Degree in Education: Jacksonville University
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Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership: University of North Florida
Kelly’s Endorsements:
Giving Back to the Community
Always committed to supporting her community, Kelly serves on the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Board of Directors where she is the Education Committee Chairperson. She also serves on the Leadership Team for Leadership Jacksonville. In the past, she has been involved with organizations like Girls On The Run that focus on bettering the lives of children.