At a final hearing Sept. 9, the School Board of Lee County approved the system’s 2025-26 budget totaling $2,919,795,073, a decrease of $114,667,599 from the previous year's $3,034,462,672 budget, along with the district's comprehensive 10-year capital plan.
"I want to commend our school board members for their commitment to taking their responsibility as stewards of taxpayer dollars very seriously," said Superintendent Denise Carlin in a statement on the schools’ website. "This budget approval demonstrates our unwavering dedication to fiscal responsibility, and we are committed to not just stopping here but to continue looking for more cost savings throughout the year while maintaining our high standards of education."
Key highlights from the approved budget include:
- Diverse revenue streams: The district utilizes multiple revenue sources with over $2 billion in projected capital revenue through FY30.
- Significant capacity expansion: The plan includes 10 new schools and 1 portable swing site, projected to add 14,188 new student stations to accommodate district growth.
- Extensive facility investment: The 10-year outlook projects $1.76 billion for facility maintenance and modernization, including major investments in HVAC system improvements, roof system improvements, and building upgrades. Additionally, 148 capital projects are planned for FY26, covering athletics, drainage, electrical, fire systems, HVAC, paving, playgrounds, plumbing, and roofing.