Dr. Kelly Coker is a committed educator in the Jacksonville community who continually works to use her knowledge and resources to make our schools better for children. She was elected as the District 1 School Board Member in August of 2020 and proudly serves her constituency in the Arlington, Regency, and Oceanway communities. 

Dr. Coker began her career as a middle school teacher with the Duval County Public Schools. Over the next 27 years, she went on to serve as a Principal of two middle schools, Executive Director of Middle Schools, Region Superintendent of K-12 Schools, Region Chief of High Schools, 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. 

Dr. Coker is a 4th generation Jacksonville native who has lived in School Board District 1 her entire life. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, a master’s degree from Jacksonville University, and a doctoral degree from the University of North Florida. Dr. Coker currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, where she is chair of the Education Committee. She is also on the Leadership Team for Leadership Jax and serves as a Co-Chairperson for their Education Day Program. In her continued commitment to education, she serves on the Adult Literacy Alliance Board and is also a member of the Jacksonville Women’s Network.   She and her husband of 30 years continue to live in the neighborhood where she grew up. They are the proud parents of a daughter who is a graduate of Duval County Public Schools and The University of Virginia, who is now attending The University of Virginia School of Law.