Lee County School District public meetings in 2025

Lee County School Board Leasing Corporation

The Lee County School Board Leasing Corporation will hold a brief meeting to approve its agenda, adopt minutes from June 3, 2025, and approve an organizational resolution. No major financial decisions or policy changes are on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from June 3, 2025
• Approval of the organizational resolution for the Leasing Corporation

The board approved the meeting agenda. It also approved the minutes from the June 3, 2025 meeting. Finally, the board approved the Organizational Resolution for electing its officers. All motions carried unanimously.

• Approved agenda (motion carries)
• Approved June 3, 2025 minutes (motion carries)
• Approved Organizational Resolution for officer election (motion carries)

*School Board Meeting Agenda w/Leasing Mtg Agenda 6:00 PM

The Lee County School Board is holding a regular meeting with a leasing meeting agenda, but the provided text includes only procedural items (call to order, agenda approval, invocation, pledge) and recognitions (Holiday Greeting Card Winners). No substantive decisions, contracts, or financial items are listed. The public will have an opportunity to comment per board policy.

• Recognition of Holiday Greeting Card Winners with new Best Ornament Design award; artwork displayed at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in December
• Character Word for December: Kindness
• Approval of the agenda as the order of business (motion passed unanimously)

The School Board approved several consent items including new names for an elementary and high school. The board also authorized various service agreements for student services, training, and auditing.

• Approved Green Meadow Elementary School name (7-0)
• Approved Alva High School name (7-0)
• Approved 2026 Legislative Platform (7-0)
• Approved ESE service agreements with American Medical Staffing, National Staffing Solutions and TheraPeds, LLC (7-0)
• Approved $142,500.00 in agreements with Bailey Education Group, LLC (7-0)
• Approved Lee Health academic affiliation addendum for Medical Laboratory Assisting (7-0)
• Approved FleetForce, LLC truck driver training agreements (7-0)
• Approved up to $600,000.00 for educational school supplies via Region 4 Education Service Center of Texas contract (7-0)

School Board Workshop Agenda 1:00 PM

The Lee County School Board holds a workshop to discuss and receive information on multiple topics including investment returns, a school name change, construction change orders, a BusPatrol safety update, job descriptions, an ESE audit response, legislative priorities, academic performance, and a high school transportation optimization plan. All items are for discussion or information only; no votes are scheduled.

• Investment Returns and Investment Strategy presentation by PTMA Financial Solutions (30 min)
• School Name Change for schools referred to as 'NNN' and 'L' (10 min)
• Construction Change Order Reports for October 2025 (10 min)
• Safety Update on BusPatrol program (10 min)
• Legislative Priorities for 2026 (20 min)

The School Board met for a workshop on December 1, 2025, to receive presentations and answer questions on topics including investment strategy, school name changes, construction reports, and legislative priorities. No formal actions were taken.

• Received RSM update on business risk
• Received investment returns and strategy presentation
• Received presentation on school name changes
• Received October 2025 construction change order report
• Received safety update on BusPatrol
• Received proposed job descriptions (no questions asked)
• Received presentation on ESE audit response
• Received presentation on legislative priorities

School Board Workshop Agenda 1:00 PM

The Lee County School Board is holding a workshop to discuss and receive information on multiple topics, including a safety update, school naming, construction projects, budget overview, job descriptions, policy revisions, and a fraud/waste/abuse process. Key items include the first reading of the 2026-2027 Student Enrollment Plan and a pre-briefing/ first reading of board policies 0164.1, 7105, and 7250. The board will also discuss district strategic priorities for recruitment and retention, and hear from a student advisory focus group. No votes are scheduled; all items are for discussion or information.

• First reading of Plan for Student Enrollment 2026-2027 (advertised Oct 21, 2025)
• First reading of policies: 0164.1 (Meeting Location), 7105 (Site Selection Committee), pre-briefing on 7250 (Commemoration of School Facilities)
• Construction change order report for September 2025 and bi-monthly construction update
• Budget overview presented by Director of Budget and Executive Director of Business Services
• Fraud, waste and abuse investigation process and flowchart presented by Deputy Superintendent and HR Chief

The School Board held a workshop to receive presentations on safety updates, school names, construction projects, budget overview, and district strategic priorities. No formal votes were taken.

• Received Safety Update presentation
• Received School Names presentation
• Received Construction Change Order Report for September 2025
• Received Construction Projects Bi-Monthly Update for November 2025
• Received Budget Overview presentation
• Received Job Descriptions presentation
• Received Policy Review Briefing/1st Reading
• Received Plan for Student Enrollment 2026-2027 Briefing/1st Reading

School Board Meeting (Board Organization) 6:00 PM*

The School Board held its annual organization meeting, electing Armor Persons as Board Chair and William F. Ribble, Jr. as Vice Chair for one-year terms. The board also approved a calendar for regular meetings from January to December 2026, with amendments to correct two dates. The agenda included recognitions for schools and JROTC instructors and cadets, and a public comment period was announced.

• Election of Armor Persons as Board Chair and William F. Ribble, Jr. as Vice Chair, each by majority vote
• Approval of the 2026 meeting calendar, amended to correct June 9 and September 8 dates
• Recognition of 34 Lee County schools as PBIS Model Schools (bronze, silver, gold levels)
• Recognition of six schools as Everglades Champion Schools (bronze, silver, gold levels)
• JROTC instructor and cadet awards: Silver/Gold Distinguished Instructor, Impact Instructor, and 5.0 GPA Cadet awards

The Board elected Armor Persons as Chair and William F. Ribble, Jr. as Vice Chair for a one-year term. Members also approved the 2026 meeting calendar and various academic and health service contracts.

• Elected Armor Persons as Board Chair (6-1)
• Elected William F. Ribble, Jr. as Board Vice Chair (5-2)
• Approved 2026 regular meeting calendar with amendments (7-0)
• Approved renaming James Stephens Elementary to James Stephens Community School (7-0)
• Approved $270,000 annual contract with FL Department of Health for school nurses (7-0)
• Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Blessings in a Backpack (7-0)
• Approved Dual Enrollment agreement with Barry University at an estimated $25,000 cost (7-0)
• Approved academic affiliation agreements with Integrative Rehab Medicine, Magnolia Dental, and Rasmussen Family Dental (7-0)

School Board Quasi-Judicial Hearing Agenda 11:00 AM

The Lee County School Board held a quasi-judicial hearing and approved personnel actions for four employees. Three were suspended without pay pending DOAH hearings, and one was terminated effective November 4, 2025.

• Suspension of Nuria Acuna without pay pending DOAH hearing, effective Nov 4, 2025
• Termination of Jose Villafane's employment, effective Nov 4, 2025
• Suspension of Mariah Roller without pay pending DOAH hearing, effective Nov 4, 2025
• Suspension of Brooke Wold without pay pending DOAH hearing, effective Nov 4, 2025

The Lee County School Board voted unanimously to terminate one employee and suspend three others without pay pending administrative hearings. These personnel actions resolve pending employment petitions and affect district staffing while proceedings continue. The board also approved its meeting agenda before adjourning at 11:17 a.m.

• Approved termination of Jose Villafane's employment (7-0)
• Approved suspension without pay for Nuria Acuna pending DOAH hearing (7-0)
• Approved suspension without pay for Mariah Roller pending DOAH hearing (7-0)
• Approved suspension without pay for Brooke Wold pending DOAH hearing (7-0)

School Board Workshop Agenda 1:00 PM

The school board holds a workshop to discuss and receive information on multiple operational and policy items. Topics include a K9 crisis response program, safety updates, construction change orders for August 2025, a proposed name change for two elementary schools, adoption and revision of many job descriptions, and first readings of eight policies. No final decisions are made; these are discussion and information items. Public comment is also taken.

• K9 Crisis Response program discussion (10 minutes)
• School Name Change for Hector A. Cafferata, Jr. Elementary and James Stephens Elementary (10 minutes)
• Construction Change Order Reports for August 2025 (5 minutes)
• Policy Review / First Reading of 8 policies including Remote Work, Transportation, and Student/Parent Rights (30 minutes)
• Safe Start Initiative Update (45 minutes)

The Board held a workshop consisting primarily of informational presentations and discussions. The only substantive action was a general consensus to move policies from the first reading to a public hearing and second reading.

• Reached general consensus to move policies from Briefing/1st Reading to Public Hearing/2nd Reading

School Board Meeting Agenda 6:00 PM*

The Lee County School Board meets for a regular business meeting with a procedural agenda including recognitions. Major items include honoring students for academic achievements and proclaiming October as Disability History and Awareness Month. No substantive policy votes or financial actions are scheduled.

• Recognition of 11 students as 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists, the largest cohort in two decades
• Recognition of Isabella Fowler for placing 2nd in the National Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Competition Chalk Talk
• Proclamation of October 2025 as Disability History and Awareness Month
• Approval of the meeting agenda as the order of business
• Public comment procedures outlined per School Board Policy 0169.1

The School Board of Lee County approved a series of consent items including dual enrollment agreements with Lee Technical Colleges and healthcare affiliation agreements. The board also authorized contracts for after-school programs and special education services.

• Approved 2025-28 agreement with The Boys and Girls Club of Lee County, Inc. (7-0)
• Approved agreement with Glades County School Board for Exceptional Student Center services (7-0)
• Approved academic affiliation agreements with Millennium Physician Group, LLC and Vitas Healthcare Corporation (7-0)
• Approved ESE and Psychological Services agreements with five providers (7-0)
• Approved $25,000 agreement with Fort Myers Surgery Center for preventive dental services (7-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 School Improvement Plans (7-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 Career Dual Enrollment agreements with Lee Technical Colleges and Hendry County (7-0)
• Approved official minutes of previous School Board meetings (7-0)

School Board Meeting Agenda 6:00 PM*

This meeting is largely procedural, including approval of the agenda and ceremonial items. The board will recognize student achievements in cybersecurity, SAVE Promise Clubs, and an AI innovation challenge, as well as a district risk management award. No major policy decisions or contracts are on the agenda.

• Recognition of 2025 CyberPatriot Summer Camp competition winners
• Recognition of four schools for National SAVE Promise Clubs
• Recognition of Dunbar High School team for AI+HI Innovation Challenge
• Recognition of district receiving FERMA Best Practices Award for workers' compensation risk management

School Board Special Meeting Agenda - [FY 2025-2026 Final Budget] 5:05 PM

The School Board will hold a special meeting and public hearing to consider and adopt the final budget for fiscal year 2025-2026. Presentations from the Chief Financial Officer will cover the proposed millage rate, budget overview, and position changes. The board is expected to vote on the final budget after hearing public comments.

• Presentation on percent increase over roll-back rate
• Presentation on proposed millage (tax rate)
• Budget overview and proposed FY26 final budget with two PDF attachments (position changes and final budget book)
• Public hearing on the final budget per School Board Policy 0169.1
• Approval of the agenda as the order of business

School Board Workshop Agenda 1:00 PM

The School Board is discussing a 10-year capital plan (FY26-FY35) to address student growth. They will also review over 70 policies in a first reading, discuss Phase II compensation, receive a safety update, and examine construction project updates and change orders. The workshop includes a public comment period.

• 10-year capital plan (FY26-FY35) aligned with student growth
• First reading of policy revisions covering 70+ policies on ethics, conduct, student welfare, and more
• Phase II compensation discussion for staff
• Safety update from Chief Dave Newlan, Safety, Security and Fleet Operations
• Construction change order report for July 2025 and bi-monthly construction update

School Board Special Meeting Agenda (Closed Attorney/Client Session) - 3:30 PM

The School Board of Lee County is holding a special meeting to recess into a closed attorney/client session. The closed session will discuss strategies related to litigation expenditures in the case of Southwest Charter Foundation, Inc. v. The School Board of Lee County (Case No. 24-CA-004665). No public votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting consists only of procedural items and the closed session.

• Closed attorney/client session to discuss litigation strategies in Southwest Charter Foundation, Inc. v. School Board of Lee County (Case No. 24-CA-004665)

The School Board of Lee County entered a closed attorney/client session to discuss litigation expenditures related to Southwest Charter Foundation, Inc. v. The School Board of Lee County. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded in the minutes.

• No substantive decisions were made during this procedural session

School Board Workshop Agenda 1:00 PM

The Lee County School Board holds a workshop to discuss several informational and discussion items, including a contract for the school board attorney and general counsel, an update from RSM (risk management), advisory committee topics, a safety update, and a conversation about Fort Myers Beach Elementary School. No votes are expected; this is a discussion-only meeting.

• RSM Update (30-minute presentation on risk management)
• School Board Attorney & General Counsel Contract (60-minute discussion)
• District Advisory Committee Topics (10-minute presentation)
• Safety Update (10-minute presentation on district safety)
• Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Conversation (45-minute discussion)

The Board held a workshop to receive updates on safety, RSM, and Fort Myers Beach Elementary School. Members provided feedback on the School Board Attorney & General Counsel contract. No formal votes were taken during the workshop.

• Consensus reached to keep School Board Attorney & General Counsel contract on the Action Meeting agenda
• Policy Review briefing pulled prior to meeting

School Board Meeting Agenda 6:00 PM

The meeting is largely procedural: approving the agenda, a moment of silence, and public comment rules. The substantive portion consists of board recognitions for student achievements in Odyssey of the Mind, Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, and the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.

• Recognition of North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts Odyssey of the Mind team for placing 1st at Regionals, 3rd at States, and 13th at World Finals
• Recognition of North Fort Myers High School Odyssey of the Mind team for placing 1st at Regionals, 3rd at States, and 25th at World Finals
• Recognition of Dunbar High School student Nishini Fernando for a Best Prototype award at Invention Convention U.S. Nationals for 'BabyBeatz 2.0'
• Recognition of Fort Myers High School student Dhruva Sharma for 2nd place at Invention Convention U.S. Nationals for 'Dextera: Revolutionizing Assistive Technology'
• Recognition of Fort Myers High School students Tanish Madhar and Gabriel Cintron for Presidential Scholarships from Long Island University at Regeneron ISEF

The School Board approved several agreements for student health, technical training, and juvenile justice services. The board also authorized expenditures for sports apparel, classroom furniture, and office supplies.

• Approved service agreement with Healthpro Heritage Pediatrics for ESE therapy services (7-0)
• Approved no-cost contract with Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida for dental screenings (7-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 Uniform Statewide Assessment Calendar and progress monitoring schedule (7-0)
• Approved cooperative agreement with Department of Juvenile Justice through June 30, 2029 (7-0)
• Approved no-cost contract renewal with SalusCare, Inc. for the Vince Smith Center Campus (7-0)
• Approved no-cost technical training agreement with Hyundai Motor America (7-0)
• Approved $1.7M sports apparel and uniforms contract with multiple vendors (7-0)
• Approved up to $1.2M for classroom and office furniture from multiple vendors (7-0)

School Board Meeting Agenda 6:00 PM

The Lee County School Board is recognizing schools that achieved Level 1 and Level 2 High Reliability Schools certifications, increasing the county's total to 69 Level 1 and 8 Level 2 certified schools. The meeting also includes procedural items, public comment rules, and no action items involving budgets, contracts, or policy changes.

• Gulf Elementary, Pine Island Elementary, Skyline Elementary, Tanglewood Elementary, and Three Oaks Elementary recognized for Level 1 certification (safe, supportive culture).
• Allen Park Elementary, Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton Elementary, Franklin Park Elementary, Orangewood Elementary, Pelican Elementary, River Hall Elementary, Gateway Elementary, Mirror Lakes Elementary, and Spring Creek Elementary recognized for Level 2 certification (effective teaching).
• Public comment period limited to 1 hour with 3-minute speaker slots, reduced if more than 20 speakers.

The Board approved a $6,367,905.00 mental health assistance allocation plan for 2025-2026. Several agreements for mental health referrals, grief support, and suicide risk screening were also approved. Additionally, the Board authorized multiple college-level instruction plans with Florida Gulf Coast University.

• Approved 2025-2026 Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plan for $6,367,905.00 (7-0)
• Approved $219,006.00 agreement with SalusCare, Inc. for mental health referrals (7-0)
• Approved agreement with USF for suicide and emotional risk screening in eight middle schools (7-0)
• Approved agreement with Valerie's House, Inc. for student grief support groups (7-0)
• Approved agreement with Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice for mental health referrals at no cost to district (7-0)
• Approved $735,000.00 FGCU Articulated Acceleration Plan for three high school collegiate academies (7-0)
• Approved $200,000.00 and $35,000.00 FGCU Articulated Acceleration Plans for college-level instruction (7-0)
• Approved MOU with Golisano Children's Hospital to provide AEDs to 'Heart Safe Schools' at no cost (7-0)

School Board Special Meeting Agenda - [FY 2025-2026 Tentative Budget] 5:05 PM

The Lee County School Board is holding a special meeting to present the tentative budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, including proposed millage rates and position changes, and to conduct a public hearing on the tentative budget.

• Presentation on percent increase over roll-back rate
• Presentation on proposed millage
• Presentation of FY 2025-26 Tentative Budget Book (9,451 KB) and proposed position changes
• Public hearing on the FY26 tentative budget, with advertised notices of proposed tax increase and capital outlay tax
• Board approval of the agenda as order of business

The Board approved a tentative budget totaling $2,798,172,189 and established tentative millage rates for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The total millage rate of 5.319 mills represents a 1.43% increase over the roll back rate. A final budget public hearing is scheduled for September 9, 2025.

• Adopted tentative required local effort millage of 3.0710 mills to raise $498,608,981 (7-0)
• Adopted tentative basic discretionary millage of 0.748 mills to raise $121,445,626 (7-0)
• Adopted tentative capital outlay millage of 1.500 to raise $243,540,694 (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution Determining Revenues and Millages and Resolution Adopting Tentative Millage Rates for FY 2025-2026 (7-0)
• Adopted $2,798,172,189 tentative budget for FY 2025-2026 (7-0)
• Accepted 2025 Certification of School Taxable Value and authorized Superintendent to execute form (7-0)
• Scheduled final budget public hearing for September 9, 2025, at 5:05 PM (7-0)

School Board Quasi-Judicial Hearing Agenda - 11:30 AM

The school board held a quasi-judicial hearing and voted to terminate the employment of Robert Davis and Angela Sexton, effective July 29, 2025. Both termination petitions were served to the employees earlier this year. The board approved Davis's termination 5-2 and Sexton's termination 7-0.

• Termination of Robert Davis approved 5-2 (effective July 29, 2025)
• Termination of Angela Sexton approved 7-0 (effective July 29, 2025)
• Petition for Robert Davis served June 3, 2025
• Petition for Angela Sexton served July 8, 2025

The provided minutes contain no record of decisions, approvals, or denials. The text consists of a statement from School Board Attorney Kathy Dupuy-Bruno regarding the recording of minutes for specific hearing types.

School Board Workshop Agenda 1:00 PM

This workshop includes a discussion on a first amendment to the School Board Attorney and General Counsel's employment agreement, along with informational reports on student achievement end-of-year results, Office of Safe Schools quarterly update, construction change orders and project updates, and proposed job description changes.

• Discussion of first amendment to employment agreement for School Board Attorney Kathy Dupuy-Bruno
• Student achievement end-of-year results presentation (60 minutes)
• Office of Safe Schools quarterly (Q4) report (10 minutes)
• Construction change order reports for May and June 2025
• Proposed job description revisions and new positions (Coordinator, Grants; Manager, Technical College; Chief, Safety, Security & Fleet)

The Board reached consensus to schedule interviews for the Board Auditor position and to initiate discussions with the Lee County Clerk’s Office regarding oversight of fraud, waste, and abuse. The Board also agreed to remove the School Board Attorney & General Counsel contract from the current action meeting agenda and reschedule it for August 5, 2025.

• Consensus reached to proceed with scheduling Board Auditor interviews
• Consensus reached to discuss potential oversight of fraud, waste, and abuse with Lee County Clerk’s Office
• Consensus reached to remove School Board Attorney & General Counsel contract from current action agenda and reschedule for August 5, 2025

School Board Meeting Agenda with Leasing Corporation Meeting 6:00 PM

The School Board will approve the agenda and then conduct a series of recognitions for students, teachers, and staff, including state champions, invention convention winners, teacher of the year, and mentor of the year. No substantive policy decisions or public hearings are on the agenda.

• Recognition of 2025 FHSAA Boys Weightlifting State Champion Nick Bloomston
• Recognition of 2025 FHSAA State Track and Field Champions V'Davrielle Johnson and Mike Luma
• Recognition of 2025 Florida Invention Convention awardees including Hailey Crotteau (Pee Brave)
• Recognition of 2024–2025 New Teacher of the Year Julia Johansson
• Recognition of 2024–2025 APPLES Mentor of the Year Susan Barnes

The Board approved several high-value contracts for School Resource Officers and Exceptional Student Education services. Other actions included approving a board auditor extension and various academic affiliation agreements.

• Approved ESE services agreements for $13,880,755.00 (6-0)
• Approved Lee County Sheriff's Department SRO contract not to exceed $6,309,164.89 (6-0)
• Approved City of Cape Coral SRO contract not to exceed $1,440,000.00 (6-0)
• Approved City of Fort Myers Police Department SRO contract not to exceed $1,407,846.00 (6-0)
• Approved City of Sanibel Police Dept SRO contract not to exceed $75,000.00 (6-0)
• Approved RSM US LLP auditor agreement extension to June 30, 2026 (6-0)
• Approved Language Line Services agreement up to $200,000.00 (6-0)
• Approved three separate requests for Due Process Hearings at $5,000.00 each (6-0)

School Board Workshop Agenda 1:00 PM

The Lee County School Board holds a workshop to discuss and receive information on multiple topics, including the Independent Sales Surtax Oversight Committee report, budget education, and hurricane preparedness. No voting is scheduled; the workshop is for discussion and information only.

• Independent Sales Surtax Oversight Committee report on surtax spending
• Budget education presentation including draft preliminary capital plan
• Fort Myers Beach Elementary School assessment and presentation by Accenture
• Hurricane preparedness expectations for school safety
• Mental health presentation and discussion

The Board held a workshop consisting primarily of informational reports and presentations. The Board reached a general consensus on appointments for the FSBA Advocacy Committee and agreed to discuss the Board Auditor position in July.

• Consensus reached to appoint Vanessa Chaviano as Liaison and Melisa Giovannelli as Alternate for FSBA Advocacy Committee
• Consensus reached to discuss next steps for Board Auditor position in July

Lee County School Board Leasing Corporation

The Lee County School Board Leasing Corporation will meet on June 3, 2025, immediately following a recess in the School Board meeting. The agenda includes only procedural items: a call to order, approval of the agenda, and a presentation of the public participation policy. No substantive decisions or discussions are scheduled.

• Call to Order by President Samuel Fisher
• Approval of the Agenda as the Order of Business

The Lee County School Board Leasing Corporation approved the issuance of certificates to fund construction and equipping for three schools. The board also authorized refunding certificates to refinance previous debt.

• Approved issuance of Series 2025A Certificates up to $400,000,000 for East High NNN, Cypress Lake Middle, and Hector Cafferata Jr. K-8 (6-0)
• Approved issuance of Series 2025B Refunding Certificates up to $75,000,000 to refinance Series 2014A and 2014B COPs (6-0)
• Approved December 10, 2024 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (6-0)

School Board Meeting Agenda 6:00 PM

This meeting consists primarily of procedural items and recognitions. The board will approve the agenda and hear reports on student achievements including $8,000 scholarships, science fair winners, and athletic championships. No new policies, budgets, or contracts are being decided.

• Recognition of four students receiving $8,000 Florida Prepaid Superintendent Scholarships to pursue teaching careers in Lee County
• Recognition of high school voter registration drive with 869 new voters registered and 384 updates from Sept 2024–Feb 2025
• Recognition of Lehigh Senior High School Unified Cornhole Team for winning the Special Olympics State Championship
• Recognition of five students who earned top honors at the 70th Annual Florida State Science and Engineering Fair
• Recognition of North Fort Myers High School Indoor Colorguard for winning the FFCC Regional A state championship

The Board approved several consent items, including a new Head Start-Early Head Start grant and an expenditure increase for substitute teacher services. Agreements for summer programs with the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club were also approved at no cost to the district.

• Approved Head Start-Early Head Start 2025-2026 New Grant for $9,580,142.00 (7-0)
• Approved $4,000,000.00 increase for Kelly Services, Inc. substitute teacher services (7-0)
• Approved up to $455,000.00 for Priority Marketing of Southwest Florida, Inc. (7-0)
• Approved agreement with Boys and Girls Club of Lee County, Inc. for summer programs at no cost (7-0)
• Approved agreement with YMCA of Southwest Florida, Inc. for summer programs at no cost (7-0)
• Approved $104,132.92 expenditure increase for Early Head Start-Childcare Partnership Contracts (7-0)
• Approved $60,778.90 estimated cost for 2025 JROTC STEM Leadership Academy Camp (7-0)
• Approved International Baccalaureate Bonus Program Grant for $10,850.00 (7-0)

School Board Workshop Agenda 1:00 PM

The Lee County School Board holds a workshop to discuss and receive information on several items. Topics include a federal legislative update, a large number of new and revised job descriptions for administrative positions (including assistant directors, directors, and coordinators), recruitment and retention strategies, a budget overview, construction change orders and project updates, and a first reading of proposed policy revisions covering definitions, equity, meetings, and nondiscrimination. No votes are taken; the workshop is for discussion and information only.

• Federal legislative update presented by Ballard Partners lobbyists
• 32 new administrative positions proposed across departments such as budget, capital maintenance, procurement, and curriculum
• Revisions to job descriptions for roles including Regional Associate Superintendent, Assistant Principal, and Principal
• Budget overview presentation by the Chief Financial Officer
• First reading of policy revisions covering 30+ policies including equity, meetings, anti-harassment, and nondiscrimination

The Board held a workshop to receive updates on federal legislation, budget, and construction projects. Members reached a general consensus to reappoint a citizen representative to the Value Adjustment Board and extend a job posting for the Board Auditor.

• Reached general consensus to reappoint Marion Briggs as Citizen Member Representative to the Value Adjustment Board
• Reached consensus to continue posting the Board Auditor position until May 9, 2025
• Reached general consensus to move policies from Briefing/1st Reading to Public Hearing/2nd Reading

School Board Quasi-Judicial Hearing Agenda - 12:30 PM

The Lee County School Board held a quasi-judicial hearing and approved the suspension of employee Jason Spengler without pay and benefits pending a Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) outcome. The petition for termination was served on April 8, 2025. The meeting also included routine procedural items.

• Approved suspension of Jason Spengler without pay and benefits pending DOAH hearing
• Petition for termination of employment served on April 8, 2025
• Approval of agenda as the order of business

The provided minutes contain no records of decisions, approvals, or denials. The text consists of a statement from School Board Attorney Kathy Dupuy-Bruno regarding the recording of minutes for specific hearings and sessions.

School Board Workshop Agenda 1:00 PM

The Lee County School Board holds a workshop to receive information and discuss the Fiscal Responsibility Action Plan, Budget Overview, Proposed Organizational Changes, and a Policy Review covering 13 revised policies. No votes are scheduled; these are discussion items.

• Fiscal Responsibility Action Plan (50-minute discussion)
• Budget Overview including FEFP calculation and FTE projections
• Policy Review with revisions to 13 policies and a new trademark licensing policy
• Proposed Organizational Changes (60-minute discussion)
• Status of Hurricane Repairs (30-minute update)

The Board held a workshop consisting primarily of informational presentations on district operations. The only substantive action was a general consensus to move policies from pre-briefing to the briefing/first reading stage.

• Reached general consensus to move pre-briefing policies forward to Briefing/1st Reading

School Board Special Meeting Agenda (Board Auditor) 10:00 AM

This special meeting focuses on the candidate selection process for the Board Auditor position. The board will discuss three candidates (Thomas Alger, Toby Gruntkosky, Brian Stewart) using a screening rubric, and outline next steps. The agenda also includes procedural items and public comment rules.

• Introduction and overview of the Board Auditor selection process
• Discussion of candidates Thomas Alger, Toby Gruntkosky, and Brian Stewart
• Review of FY25 Board Auditor Screening Rubric
• Candidate resumes attached to the agenda
• Next steps for the selection process

The Board reviewed three qualified applicants for the Board Auditor position. Members reached a general consensus to continue posting the position to attract more candidates. A special meeting will be held in 30 days, with interviews potentially starting in August.

• Approved the agenda as the order of business (4-0)
• Consensus reached to continue posting the Board Auditor position

School Board Meeting Agenda 6:00 PM*

The School Board is meeting to recognize student achievements in wrestling, unified basketball, and music. The agenda consists primarily of procedural items and student recognitions.

• Recognition of FHSAA State Wrestling Champions Maximus Brady (Mariner High) and Seth Tshiams (North Fort Myers High)
• Recognition of Lehigh Senior High School Unified Basketball State Champions
• Recognition of students selected for Florida Music Educators Association All State Music groups

The Board approved the establishment of Capstone Academy Charter School for the 2025-2026 school year. Members also approved school bell times for the upcoming year and a three-year English Language Learners plan. Several partnership agreements and service contracts were authorized via the consent agenda.

• Approved charter school status for Capstone Academy Charter School (7-0)
• Approved school bell times for the 2025-2026 school year (7-0)
• Approved English Language Learners (ELL) Plan for 2025-2028 (7-0)
• Approved expansion of Community Partnership School model to Fort Myers Middle and Colonial Elementary (7-0)
• Approved three-year agreement with the NAACP (7-0)
• Approved $13,219,758.00 amended service order with Presence Learning, Inc. for speech language pathology (7-0)
• Approved MOU with Lee Health for epinephrine auto-injector protocols (7-0)
• Approved affiliation agreement with Keiser University for student field experience (7-0)

School Board Quasi-Judicial Hearing Agenda 11:30 AM

The School Board is acting on a superintendent's recommendation to suspend teacher Deborah Manafov without pay or benefits pending the outcome of a hearing before the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH). The petition for termination of employment has been served to the employee, who has requested a hearing through counsel.

• Petition for Termination of Employment of Deborah Manafov, a teacher, presented for board action.
• Recommended action: approval of suspension without pay and benefits pending the DOAH hearing outcome.
• No fiscal impact to the District for this approval.

The School Board approved the suspension without pay and benefits of Deborah Manafov pending a DOAH hearing. The board also approved the meeting agenda.

• Approved agenda as the order of business (6-0)
• Approved suspension without pay and benefits for Deborah Manafov pending DOAH hearing (6-0)

School Board Workshop Agenda - Strategic Planning Retreat - 9:00 AM

The School Board will conduct a workshop to discuss and evaluate the district's strategic plan. The session focuses on reviewing the vision, mission, values, and current objectives using SWOT analysis and the Nominal Group Technique.

• Discussion of Vision, Mission, and Values
• SWOT analysis to evaluate current objectives
• Review and adjustment of the Strategic Plan

The School Board and Superintendent conducted a strategic planning retreat to refine priorities and identify execution gaps. The meeting focused on improving leadership, culture, and community engagement. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded.

School Board Workshop Agenda 1:00 PM

The School Board will hear presentations on the annual financial audit, a budget overview including the Governor's budget summary, a safety update, and the adoption of new science instructional materials. Other items include job description changes, construction updates, and a communications strategic plan. Public comment is scheduled.

• Annual Financial Audit Review (10 min)
• Budget Overview including Governor's Budget Summary (30 min)
• Annual Instructional Materials (Science) adoption recommendations for K-12 (15 min)
• Safety Update on FortifyFL (10 min)
• Construction Change Order Report and Bi-Monthly Update (35 min total)

The Board held a workshop to receive reports on financial audits, budget, safety, and instructional materials. No formal votes were taken, but the Board reached a general consensus on the structure of advisory committees, the hiring process for a Board Auditor, and the appointment of a contract negotiation liaison.

• Consensus reached to maintain Board Advisory Committees as currently structured
• Consensus reached to advertise Board Auditor position for two additional weeks
• Consensus reached to hold a special meeting to review Board Auditor applicants
• Consensus reached to appoint Chair Samuel Fisher as liaison for School Board Attorney Contract Negotiation

School Board Meeting Agenda 6:00 PM*

This School Board meeting agenda consists entirely of procedural items: call to order, approval of agenda, invocation, presentation of colors, and a character word announcement. The bulk of the agenda is a detailed public comment policy. No substantive decisions, contracts, or policy changes are scheduled for discussion or action.

• No substantive items; meeting is entirely procedural.

The School Board approved a series of consent items including transportation incentives, legislative platforms, and facility maintenance contracts. The board also authorized funding for immigrant and English language learner grants and graduation venue leases.

• Approved short-term incentives for school bus operators and transportation support (6-0)
• Adopted the 2025 Legislative Platform (6-0)
• Approved $350,000 for Class of 2025 graduation leases at Suncoast Arena and Alico Arena (6-0)
• Approved $97,381.65 for 3 additional Drivers Education vehicles (6-0)
• Approved $475,000 first-year pressure washing contract awarded to six vendors (6-0)
• Approved $750,000 Job Order Contracting services with Gordian Group, Inc. (6-0)
• Approved $18,400 grant for recently arrived immigrant children and youth (6-0)
• Approved $47,306.84 grant for English Language Learners Title III, Part A (6-0)

School Board Meeting Agenda 6:00 PM*

The Lee County School Board will meet primarily for procedural items and recognitions. The agenda includes approval of the order of business, an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The board will then recognize award winners including Principal of the Year, Teacher of the Year, and schools achieving Marzano High Reliability certifications. No substantive policy decisions or financial actions are scheduled.

• Recognition of Principal of the Year Carl Burnside (Dunbar High School) and Teacher of the Year Barbara Rebeor (Harns Marsh Middle)
• Recognition of 15 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 7 high schools for Level 1 Marzano High Reliability Schools certification
• Recognition of schools achieving Level 2 Marzano High Reliability Schools certification (safe, supportive, collaborative culture)
• Legion of Valor Bronze Cross Award presented to Cadet Adrielle Costa from Mariner High School JROTC
• Recognition of Purple Star School of Distinction designations for schools supporting military families

The Board approved a series of consent items including mental health service contracts, school budget amendments, and personnel calendars for the 2025-2026 school year. It also authorized funding for employee wellness programs and approved the renaming of a charter school.

• Approved $60,393 purchase agreement with Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, Inc. (7-0)
• Approved renaming Six Mile Charter Academy to Innovation Preparatory Academy of South Ft. Myers (7-0)
• Approved up to $800,000 for office supplies via Staples, Inc. (7-0)
• Approved up to $200,000 for medical supplies via Sourcewell RFP #022422 (7-0)
• Approved 2024-25 annual school budget amendments dated Nov 30 and Dec 31, 2024 (7-0)
• Approved 12-Month Employee and Detention Center calendars for 2025-2026 (7-0)
• Approved up to $8.5M from Health Care Fund for FY26 employee wellness incentives (7-0)
• Approved appointments to the Independent Sales Surtax Oversight Committee (7-0)

School Board Workshop Agenda 1:00 PM

The Lee County School Board will hold a workshop to discuss a safety update, construction change orders, the 2025-2026 Code of Conduct for students and adult students (first readings), human resources outcomes, a budget overview, and proposed school start times for the 2025-2026 school year. The board will also review job descriptions and policies on military leave and building permits. No votes are expected as this is a workshop.

• Discussion of proposed school start times for the 2025-2026 school year (45 minutes)
• Briefing and first reading of the 2025-2026 Code of Conduct for Students (30 minutes)
• Construction Change Order Report for December 2024
• Budget Overview presentation (30 minutes)
• Policy revisions: Military Leave (1430.07, 3430.07, 4430.07) and Building Permits (7101)

The Board held a workshop to receive presentations on safety, budget, and human resources. Members reached a general consensus to move presented policies forward to Public Hearing/2nd Reading. No formal votes were recorded for the other informational items.

• Consensus reached to move policies from Briefing/1st Reading to Public Hearing/2nd Reading
• Consensus reached to move Public Comment to the budget overview portion of the agenda

School Board Special Meeting Agenda (Closed Attorney/Client Session) 12:00 PM

The Lee County School Board is holding a special closed attorney/client session to discuss strategies related to litigation expenditures in the case of Support Personnel Association of Lee County v. The School Board. The meeting will begin and end with an open meeting. No votes or public action are scheduled.

• Closed attorney/client session to discuss litigation strategies in PERC Case No. CA-2024-025 (Support Personnel Association v. School Board)
• Meeting begins with open call to order and recesses for closed session, then reconvenes briefly before adjournment

The School Board conducted a closed attorney/client session to discuss litigation expenditures regarding Case No. CA-2024-025 (Support Personnel Association of Lee County v. The School Board of Lee County, Florida). No public decisions or votes were recorded in the minutes.

School Board Workshop Agenda 1:00 PM

The Lee County School Board holds a workshop to review and discuss multiple topics including proposed adjustments to school start times, the 2025-2026 student and adult codes of conduct, a mental health update, and legislative priorities. No formal votes are expected; the workshop is for information and discussion. Public comment is permitted at the designated time.

• Proposed adjustment to school start times for 2025-2026 (45-minute discussion)
• Prebriefing on 2025-2026 Code of Conduct for Students and Adult Students
• First reading of policy revisions: 0169.1 (public participation), 0175 (student disciplinary hearings), 0176 (employee disciplinary hearings)
• Office of Safe Schools (OSS) second quarter inspection report
• Legislative priorities for 2025

The Board held a workshop to review reports and proposals, including school start times and student codes of conduct. The only substantive action was a general consensus to move policies from the first reading to a public hearing and second reading.

• Reached general consensus to move policies from Briefing/1st Reading to Public Hearing/2nd Reading

School Board Meeting Agenda 6:00 PM

The Lee County School Board will convene for a regular meeting on January 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The agenda is largely procedural, including approval of the agenda, a moment of silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The only substantive item is a recognition of Chief Human Resources Officer Angela Montemarano for winning the 2024 HR Excellence Award in Education. The board will also hear public comment under its existing policy.

• Recognition of Angela Montemarano, Chief Human Resources Officer, for the 2024 HR Excellence Award in Education from HRO Today Association.
• Character Word for January: Commitment presented by Board Chair Samuel Fisher.
• Approval of the agenda as the order of business (procedural action).
• Public comment period governed by School Board Policy 0169.1.
• Meeting includes call to order, moment of silence, and Pledge of Allegiance.

The School Board of Lee County approved the 2025-2026 school year instructional calendar and several operational contracts. Key approvals included funding for student absenteeism prevention and athletic turf maintenance. All consent items passed with unanimous votes.

• Approved SY26 (2025-2026) Instructional Calendar (7-0)
• Approved $3.2M athletic turf maintenance contract with JSM Services, Inc. (7-0)
• Approved $345,998 agreement with EveryDay Labs, Inc. for absenteeism prevention (7-0)
• Approved $32,000 agreement with Lee County Sheriff's Office for security services (7-0)
• Approved up to $100,000 for athletic and PE supplies from Riddell (7-0)
• Approved up to $100,000 for financial auditing services from MSL, P.A. (7-0)
• Approved $500,000 Recovery and Resiliency Planning Program Grant proposal (7-0)
• Approved travel expenses for seven Board members to meet with Florida Legislators (7-0)