Teachers and community members dish out their breakfast portions from the buffet.
PHOTO BY NICOLE DROEGER
PUNTA GORDA — The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce partnered with Charlotte County Public Schools to host its 45th annual new teacher breakfast Thursday at the Charlotte Harbor Events & Conference Center.
Chamber CEO Bob White said 200 people attended the program, including 95 new teachers.
The program introduced the community’s goals and initiatives to new teachers to strengthen student success.
“It’s the best way to connect the business community with the school district,” White said.
The event started with White acknowledging elected officials, board members community partners.
James Coalwell, the chamber’s board president, headed the presentations.
“Today is one step in our pursuits in partnerships between businesses and education communities,” Coalwell said.
After attendees received their breakfast from the buffet, Natalie Proctor, branch manager of Lake Michigan Credit Union, the sponsor for the program, discussed the importance of educators in a student’s life.
“My fifth-grade teacher at Sallie Jones was more than just a teacher; she was like a second mom to me,” Proctor said. “I know that each one of you will go on and be that teacher for someone that students will remember for a lifetime.”
Charlotte County Public Schools Superintendent Mark Vianello discussed the learning growth during the 2025-26 school year. County statistics include:
Superintendent Mark Vianello asks new teachers to raise their hands.
PHOTO BY NICOLE DROEGER
“What we shoot for is a learning game for every student,” Vianello said. “It doesn’t matter where you come in, what your background is, where you’re coming into your classroom: focus on getting a year’s worth of growth for every student.”
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Chamber CEO Bob White prepares to begin the program.
Bob White mentions community members who assist the program.
Commissioner Joseph Tiseo (center) attends the new teacher breakfast.
Chamber board president James Coalwell begins the presentation portion.
Teachers and community members dish out their breakfast portions from the buffet.
Commissioner Stephen R. Deutsch (center) attends the new teacher breakfast.
The new teacher breakfast crowd.
Tote bags filled with items provided by event sponsors.
The end of the line for the breakfast buffet
Branch manager of Lake Michigan Credit Union Natalie Proctor addresses the crow about sponsoring the event.
Superintendent Mark Vianello asks new teachers to raise their hands.
Chairperson of the 2022 tax referendum Marcia Cullinan encourages teachers to vote for tax referendums in November.
How the referendum balance was spent at county schools during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years.
How staff positions were financed with referendum funds calculated up to Mar. 31, 2026.
How school quality initiatives financed with referendum funds calculated up to Mar. 31, 2026. Chart 1.
Becki Mendelsohn (right, center) poses for a photo with Bob White (right, left) and James Coalwell (right, right).
Becki Mendelsohn tells new teachers that students will remember their impact.
Event sponsors set up informational booths.
How school quality initiatives financed with referendum funds calculated up to Mar. 31, 2026. Chart 2.
Vianello introduced the 2026-27 new technical magnet programs. Lemon Bay High School will provide a water management program and Charlotte Technical College will provide advanced manufacturing and welding.
Marcia Cullinan, chairperson of the 2022 tax referendum for the county’s schools, discussed the importance of voting.
“We said that if the community supported the school referendum, it would go toward salaries,” Cullinan said. “It would go toward safety, security, reading.”
Cullinan showed the referendum money spent with total revenues of $36.9 million in 2025-26. About $24 million was contributed to educator salaries; the rest went into school programs.
How the school tax referendum balance was spent at county schools during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years.
CHART COURTESY OF VOTE YES 4 SUCCESS
“You’re walking into a community where they didn’t just say they support teachers; they proved it,” Cullinan said. “Our community members are the reason that the teachers have the support that they need.”
Becki Mendelsohn (right, center) poses for a photographer Steve Lineberry with Bob White and James Coalwell.
PHOTO BY NICOLE DROEGER
The presentation concluded with the chamber and school district awarding the 2025-26 teacher of the year.
Becki Mendelsohn, science teacher at L.A. Ainger Middle School, received the title.
“Today, you represent the newest spark in the Charlotte County Public Schools, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome you to our family,” Mendelsohn said. “You are going to matter more than you can possibly imagine.”