This year has been one of the most encouraging and energizing years we\u2019ve seen in the School District of Lee County. As someone who lives and works in this community, I\u2019ve watched our students, teachers, and families pour their hearts into learning \u2014 and the results show just how powerful that commitment can be.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Students achieving at highest level in decade<\/p>\n
Preliminary data show our district grew by 3 district grade points, reaching 63 total points \u2014 the strongest performance we\u2019ve had in more than 10 years.<\/p>\n
Behind that number are real students mastering tough content, teachers pushing for excellence, and families supporting learning every day.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not just a statistic. It\u2019s a reflection of a belief we all share: our kids can achieve incredible things when we give them the tools and support, they deserve.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Keeping schools safe, students supported<\/p>\n
This year, we continued investing in school hardening measures and expanding mental health supports for students. Safety and well-being aren\u2019t just priorities \u2014 they\u2019re promises we make to every family who trusts us with their child each day.<\/p>\n
Our buses are getting students to school \u2014 on time and ready to learn<\/p>\n
One of the biggest improvements families felt firsthand was transportation. This year, over 98% of buses arrived on time, a huge jump from 80% last year. That means calmer mornings, smoother routines, and students starting their day ready to learn.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Being responsible with every dollar<\/p>\n
We made $26.5 million in reductions at the district office, and we didn\u2019t just cut \u2014 we reinvested. Those dollars went straight to the classroom, especially toward teacher pay. Lee County led the entire state with an average 7% raise for teachers and a $4,000 increase in starting salary.<\/p>\n
When we say we value our educators, we\u2019re backing it up with action.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Strengthened voice in Tallahassee<\/p>\n
This year, we built stronger relationships with the Florida Legislature and successfully advocated for a change in state law. Because of that work, our district can now pay teachers up to an additional $10,000 for serving students who struggle the most in English Language Arts, Math, and Science.<\/p>\n
This is a win for students, a win for teachers, and a win for Lee County.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Classrooms are fully staffed<\/p>\n
We made major progress in filling teacher vacancies, ensuring students have consistent, qualified educators in front of them every day. Stability matters \u2014 and our students feel the difference.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Community moving forward together<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s progress didn\u2019t happen by accident. It happened because our community showed up-teachers, students, families, staff, and partners all pulling in the same direction.<\/p>\n
Lee County is proving what\u2019s possible when we believe in our kids, invest in our schools, and work together with purpose.<\/p>\n
Jada Langford Fleming holds the District 6 seat on the Lee County School Board.<\/p>\n