SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LEE COUNTY
\nDr. Denise Carlin<\/p>\n
The message was clear during a press conference on May 1 \u2014 the School District of Lee County will no longer overspend and will become fiscally responsible.<\/p>\n
Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin said although the district has lost student enrollment, the majority of dollars that it must cut is funding to schools, specifically $35 million spent over enrollment.<\/p>\n
She said she is unwilling to continue that practice with no rationale.<\/p>\n
Over the past couple of weeks there has been extensive discussion and discourse about the efforts to strengthen the district\u2019s financial stability, safeguard taxpayer dollars and make sure the budget focuses on student achievement, and match student enrollment, Carlin said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to be very clear about what we are doing \u2014 we are restoring fiscal discipline, cutting waste and putting the focus back where it belongs \u2014 on students and in classrooms,\u201d she said. \u201cWe are making sure our community\u2019s tax dollars are used properly while emphasizing student achievement, supporting teachers and maintaining long-term district stability.\u201d<\/p>\n
Carlin said when she ran for the elected superintendent position, she made a commitment to residents and taxpayer that she would scrutinize every dollar and how it is spent.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am not going to apologize for doing what the voters hired me to do,\u201d she said. \u201cWe are eliminating unnecessary spending and refocusing resources to meet the needs of our individual students. We are leading the way at the district office.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of Carlin\u2019s first directives after being sworn into office was to cut 5% from every department in her administration.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have already cut nearly $16 million with another $6.5 million proposed going into fiscal year \u201927,\u201d she said. \u201cWe realigned our organizational chart, reduced positions and streamlined efficiencies. We are holding every part of this organization accountable.\u201d<\/p>\n
The cuts made are redirecting resources back into the classrooms as the district\u2019s priorities are simple: student achievement, teacher support and safe schools, Carlin said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery single decision that is made is grounded in those priorities,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Carlin said funding allocations have not been realigned for years, leaving individual school budgets based on how things have always been done.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was not elected to do things as they have always been done,\u201d she said. \u201cI was elected to bring accountability to the budget and improve student achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n
Carlin said overtime legacy spending created a $35 million gap in allocations not tied to current student needs and enrollment.<\/p>\n
\u201cInstead, reflected irresponsible spending that had not been adjusted for years,\u201d she said. \u201cThis is what I am correcting.\u201d<\/p>\n
In practice, it means the district administration is shifting resources out of administrative and support structures that do not directly impact student outcomes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are putting those resources back into direct instruction and the classroom,\u201d Carlin said. \u201cThis is not a one-size-fits-all decision coming from the top down. Each principal was directed to build and submit a budget based on the number of students and needs of the campus.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those plans are identifying ways to streamline operations and prioritize classroom instruction \u2014 including covering roles and consolidating positions where appropriate.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hold the final veto pen on each and every one of these budgets,\u201d she said. \u201cI will go through each one to ensure our district priorities are met \u2014 that critical programs, including and let me be clear \u2014 arts and athletics \u2014 remain part of a well-rounded education for students and that wasteful spending is eliminated.\u201d<\/p>\n
With this approach, every school will have the resources they need to help students succeed, Carlin said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is what happens when you challenge the way that things have always been done. We are bringing back discipline to the system, we are making decisions based on outcomes and directing resources where they have the greatest impact in the classroom,\u201d she said. \u201cWe are going to meet that responsibility with discipline, accountability and clear focus on results.\u201d<\/p>\n
The press conference also included comments from Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas, as he was in Lee County for a bill signing with Gov. Ron DeSantis, as well as superintendents, legislators and board members from across the state.<\/p>\n
The bills included Senate Bill 1296 and House Bill 1279.<\/p>\n
Kamoutsas said the signing was held in Lee County because of the example the school board and Carlin are setting across the state.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese new laws mark real progress in Florida. They ensure that every educator has a stronger voice, students receive higher quality education, and families benefit from greater transparency,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Kamoutsas said Carlin shares the same vision \u2014 putting students first.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe has demonstrated what strong student-centered leadership looks like,\u201d he said, adding that Carlin and the school board worked together to implement incentives to encourage highly effective teachers to work in lower performing schools.<\/p>\n
The discussion took a turn to tout DeSantis signing SB 1296, which changes the rules for how unions can retain their certification.<\/p>\n
Proponents said mandating that at least half of all eligible members vote to reaffirm union representation confirms member support for union positions.<\/p>\n
Opponents called it anti-worker, with Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar issuing a blistering statement:<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s no surprise that the Governor has signed this bill right before Teacher Appreciation Week, given how his policies have negatively impacted educators across the state. For the past decade, Florida students have suffered under lawmakers who have placed political agendas ahead of students and their families,\u201d Spar said, in part, in his statement. \u201cUnder Governor DeSantis, Florida ranks 50th in the nation in average teacher pay for the third year in a row and 41st in per-student funding. In fact, from 2014-15 to 2024-25, the average teacher salary in Florida fell 12.4% in inflation-adjusted dollars, and almost 60% of all education staff professionals in the state earn less than $35,000 a year. Working families are being asked to pay more and get less while the Governor and too many lawmakers push politically motivated policies that weaken the workforce.\u201d<\/p>\n
To view Spar\u2019s full statement, visit https:\/\/feaweb.org\/release\/on-a-day-meant-to-honor-workers-governor-cements-legacy-of-anti-worker-policy\/.<\/p>\n
Kamoutsas said when the effort was challenged by the teacher\u2019s union, Carlin stood firm and defended the district\u2019s action and ultimately prevailed against the union in court.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd still after losing and after a bill that mutes out the case was passed, they are appealing this to the First District\u2019s Court of Appeal wasting their teachers\u2019 dues,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Kamoutsas said Carlin also made the tough and necessary decision to reduce spending at the district level protecting resources for the classroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe School District of Lee County is implementing these budgetary restrictions for the upcoming school year with a focus on long-term stability. This is prime example of a responsible government in action,\u201d he said of identifying efficiencies, reducing waste and strengthening the district\u2019s financial foundation. \u201cSuperintendent Carlin has my full support in navigating these necessary adjustments. We are backing these reductions because they represent the right thing to do for the future of our students and community.\u201d<\/p>\n