Guest Commentary | Lee County Schools kick off 2025–’26 with strongest start in years
As the 2025-2026 school year begins, Lee County School District is celebrating one of the most successful openings in recent memory — marked by fully staffed classrooms, improved transportation, and new policies designed to enhance student learning and well-being.
Certified teachers in every classroom
This year, every classroom across the district will have a certified teacher — a major milestone for the district. As of July 31, the number of instructional vacancies stood at just 65, a dramatic improvement from the 235 vacancies recorded just one week before school began last year.
While teaching vacancies across the state are down 18%, Lee County has outpaced that significantly, achieving a 72% reduction in open positions.
• 53 K-12 schools have zero instructional openings
• 13 schools have only one vacancy
• 16 Schools have two or more vacancies
This staffing success allows teachers to focus solely on their own students, without the added burden of covering other classes — an important step in supporting both educators and academic outcomes.
Safe Start initiative enhances transportation
The district’s Safe Start Initiative and newly implemented school start times are already delivering results. These changes are designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of school transportation, and early signs are promising.
Students are now experiencing shorter wait times at bus stops and are arriving on time and ready to learn. As of Aug. 4, Lee County Schools is fully staffed with bus drivers — a milestone the district hasn’t reached in several years.
New cell phone policy to support learning
Also beginning this year is a district-wide cell phone policy aimed at improving the classroom environment and student engagement. The policy is expected to:
• Promote stronger interpersonal relationships
• Improve focus on instruction
• Reduce behavioral issues
District leaders believe this will help create a more respectful, focused, and collaborative atmosphere in schools.
Fall sports are back
As academics ramp up, so does school spirit. Football teams across the district have been hard at work, practicing throughout the summer to prepare for the upcoming season. Students, coaches, and families are looking forward to a great year of competition, teamwork, and community pride under the Friday night lights.
Looking ahead
With strong staffing levels, operational improvements, and policies that put student learning first, Lee County Schools is well-positioned for a successful school year.
This is more than just a strong start — it’s a sign of what’s possible when we work together with a shared commitment to excellence.
Debbie Jordan, represents District 4 on the School Board of Lee County. Her district includes parts of Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.
To reach DEBBIE JORDAN, please email news@breezenewspapers.com