Tuesday was the first day for Lee and Charlotte County Public Schools. Lee County Superintendent Dr. James Browder visited four schools and chatted with students during lunchtime. With 80,000 students in Lee County alone, Browder explains some of the challenges.

“A usual challenge is academic preparation and getting them ready to be successful as they go through school. / and get every youngster reading and computing on grade level and being successful. /When you have 90 nationalities in your school system you have a lot of challenges in relation to that.”

Although many challenges remain, some note the accomplishments that have been made. The district’s transportation director says the bus system has improved drastically and a shortage of drivers has decreased. Collier County Public School students head back to school next Monday.