Guest Commentary | What a start to the school year!
We’ve had a great start to the school year as our students and staff have returned to school. We have new schools, new programs, and nearly every classroom now has a certified teacher. Academically, 29 schools improved a letter grade, and we have no D or F schools in the District. I’m incredibly proud of our students, teachers, and staff and excited about what is ahead.
Hector A. Cafferata Jr. K-8 Opens
One of the most meaningful moments for me as a School Board Member was helping cut the ribbon on the new Hector A. Cafferata Jr. K-8 School. After Hurricane Ian destroyed the original elementary school four years ago, students and staff spent years learning in portable classrooms. Despite those challenges, the school continued to thrive and even improved by a full letter grade.
Today, the former elementary school has been transformed into a state-of-the-art K-8 campus, with programs including art, culinary, broadcast, and much more. It was great to finally see our students and staff in their new school. This is a campus our entire community can be proud of.
Cape Coral Technical College Expansion
We also recently opened the expansion of Cape Coral Technical College. As I have talked about over the years, the trades are thriving, and it’s important that we give our students more options for their future. New programs include building construction technology, welding, HVAC and refrigeration, automotive service, and marine service. These are great opportunities for our students to learn a trade and build a career right here at home.
Food & Dining
As a parent of students in the School District, I hear about food a lot. This year we are rolling out better tasting and healthier options at all our schools, including additional semi-scratch food options. We are also testing a new dining court at Riverdale High School with pizza and pasta, fresh salads, subs, customizable bowls, and more. Riverdale is our test school, with plans to expand what works to other schools.
University of Florida Dual Enrollment
Another amazing addition this year is dual enrollment with the University of Florida. High school juniors and seniors can take online UF courses taught by UF faculty and earn college credit at no cost. We already have 68 students taking classes this year. UF joins FSW and FGCU as part of the exciting dual enrollment opportunities available to our students.
Artificial Intelligence Pilot
By now, almost everyone has heard of artificial intelligence, or AI. Like the internet, it’s a tool that can be used in good and bad ways. It’s important that we teach our students how to properly use AI, not to replace their work, but to augment it and help them learn.
This year we are starting an AI pilot at several high schools, with the possibility of expanding to middle schools later in the year. Hundreds of our teachers and administrators have already been learning how to use AI. We are going to take our time and make sure we get it right, especially when it comes to privacy, safety, and security.
We will have more updates as the pilot moves forward.
Looking Ahead
I’m looking forward to a great rest of the school year. Coming up will be more discussions on AI and technology, additional opportunities for our students, and our legislative priorities as we head into the next state legislative session. There is still much left to do, and I’m excited about what is ahead.
Sam Fisher represents District 1 on the School Board of Lee County.