Teachers in Place, Buses on Track: A Strong Start for the School District of Lee County
The School District of Lee County opened the 2026-2027 school year with the fewest instructional vacancies in years and buses getting more students to school on time than a year ago.
The district opened with 19 instructional vacancies, down from 37 last year and far below the 196 in 2024, the 246 in 2023, and the 188 in 2022. That means 99% of instructional positions were filled by the first day of school. As of today, the number is down to 16.
When a classroom is still waiting on a permanent teacher, the School District of Lee County covers it with a fully certified educator- even though state law does not require it. That way, families know a certified teacher is leading the classroom room from day one.
Buses are off to a stronger start than last year. On-time morning arrivals opened at 85% and rose to 95% in the second week, up from 71% the first week a year ago. Afternoon arrivals climbed from 79% to 83% over the same stretch, compared to 72% last year. On-time performance peaked at 98% in the morning last year, and the district is on track to get there again.
Hundreds of classrooms that once opened the school year without a permanent teacher now have one, and buses are getting more students to their seats on time. That is what a strong start looks like for the School District of Lee County: certified teachers in place, buses running on time, and students ready to learn.