What’s happening in the school board race for District 4
To the editor:
I believe voters deserve to know what is happening in this school board race.
My superintendent and five School Board members will host a fundraiser for my opponent, using their titles, and the Superintendent is constantly part of their fundraisers to raise funds.
Our school board races are nonpartisan. We are elected to represent every student, family, teacher, and employee in Lee County — not a political party or a political agenda.
What concerns me is the combination of political involvement and the business of the school district.
The superintendent brings recommendations to the School Board for us to consider and approve. At our Sept. 8 meeting, for example, we were again asked to support spending $90,000 on a lobbyist while our schools are losing funds.
At the same time, the superintendent and five of the seated board members are actively raising money for a candidate running against me.
I believe that creates a legitimate question about the appearance of political influence and the independence of our School Board.
Everyone has the right to support the candidate of their choice. I respect that.
But the public also has a right to ask questions when the people leading and overseeing our school district are actively working to elect one candidate over another.
For years, I have taken my responsibility as a School Board member seriously. My job is not to simply approve recommendations. My job is to ask questions, provide oversight, and make decisions based on what is best for our students, teachers, families, and taxpayers.
This isn’t about me. It’s about transparency, accountability, and the independence of our School Board.
I believe voters deserve to know who is working to influence this election and then decide for themselves.
And I will continue to ask the questions — even when they are uncomfortable.
Debbie Jordan
Fort Myers