Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
After more than 33 years working as an educator and assistant principal in Duval County, Gracie Bell Kearse-McCastler is running for School Board as a write in candidate. The Duval County School Board District 4 seat is currently held by term-limited Darryl D. Willie. Now retired, Kearse-McCastler highlights collaboration with colleagues as a way to address issues she says are currently facing the district, including teen takeovers, suspension rates, the school-to-prison pipeline and achievement gaps. We ask the longtime educator why she thinks she’s fit for the job.
First Coast Connect is covering a range of local races and election-related topics between now and Nov. 3. You can find detailed information about upcoming elections, including information about candidates and ballot initiatives in your specific district, at the nonpartisan League of Women Voters website Vote411.org.
Guest: Gracie Bell Kearse-McCastler, write-in candidate for Duval County School Board District 4
After more than 33 years working as an educator and assistant principal in Duval County, Gracie Bell Kearse-McCastler is running for School Board as a write in candidate. The Duval County School Board District 4 seat is currently held by term-limited Darryl D. Willie. Now retired, Kearse-McCastler highlights collaboration with colleagues as a way to address issues she says are currently facing the district, including teen takeovers, suspension rates, the school-to-prison pipeline and achievement gaps. We ask the longtime educator why she thinks she’s fit for the job.
First Coast Connect is covering a range of local races and election-related topics between now and Nov. 3. You can find detailed information about upcoming elections, including information about candidates and ballot initiatives in your specific district, at the nonpartisan League of Women Voters website Vote411.org.
Guest: Gracie Bell Kearse-McCastler, write-in candidate for Duval County School Board District 4
