Lee County School Board

Jenn McDaigle faces incumbent Sam Fisher for the School District of Lee County school board in District 1.

Some local community members are speaking out ahead of Florida's 2026 primary election cycle, harping on how the divisive and polarizing political rhetoric across the country is causing harm in an area one may not expect it to: Public school systems.

The League of Women Voters of Lee County, in partnership with WGCU and the News-Press held a forum, July 9, with Lee County School Board candidates. Six of the 11 qualified candidates participated including Carl Baxter, Crystal Johnson, Debbie Jordan, Jenn McDaigle, India Palencia, and Carline Saintilus. We will listen back to a condensed version of the 90-minute forum in a special hour-long episode of Gulf Coast Life.

The League of Women Voters of Lee County in partnership with WGCU and The News-Press, were the hosts for a candidate forum for Lee County School Board Districts 1, 4, 5, 6.

Superintendent Denise Carlin addressed concerns over systemwide budget cuts in the School System of Lee County at a media conference Friday, surrounded by a phalanx of administrators and some school board members.

Protesters lined Colonial Boulevard outside School District of Lee County offices Wednesday, upset about budget cuts

Parents of students at Buckingham Exceptional School were notified that next year, students will be co-located to Royal Palm Exceptional School, which they claim is not equipped for their children's needs.

Tuesday the school board is set to hire Robert Dodig, currently interim, as board attorney, soon to be followed by a chief staff attorney, a new position.

The president of Florida’s largest teachers union, Andrew Spar, spoke to WGCU News about this recently. He is concerned about the interpretation of a memo dated Sept. 11 from the Florida Education Commissioner, who cited Florida law in stating that an employee can be disciplined if their personal conduct, upon investigation, reduces their professional effectiveness.

Lee Schools Board of Education elects a chair and vice chair at its regular meeting.