Dear Lee County,
I hope this message finds you well; it’s hard to believe we are upon completing the first half of the 2024-2025 school year. It is a privilege to serve as your county-wide school board member. I am delighted to have the opportunity to share the following important updates and developments with Lee County students and their families, ensuring you are well-informed about the progress and initiatives within our school district:
1. Welcome Dr. Denise Carlin
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Denise Carlin as our first elected Superintendent in 50 years. Dr. Carlin brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our district. We look forward to her leadership and the positive impact she will have on our schools.
2. New Board Members
Please join me in welcoming our two new board members, Bill Ribble and Vanessa Chaviano. Their dedication and commitment to our community will be invaluable as we work together to enhance the educational experience for all students. Additionally, congratulations to Melissa Giovannelli on her re-election. We are grateful for her continued service and leadership.
3. FSBA Conference Summary
Recently, our board members attended the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA) conference. Here are some key takeaways:
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Legislative Platforms: We discussed various legislative platforms that will shape the future of education in Florida. These discussions are crucial for advocating policies that benefit our students and schools.
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Teacher Retention Solutions: Addressing the challenges of teacher retention was a major focus. We explored innovative solutions to support and retain our dedicated educators.
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School Safety Updates: Ensuring the safety of our students and staff remains a top priority. We reviewed the latest strategies and technologies to enhance school safety.
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Attendance Issues: We addressed the ongoing challenges of student attendance, both in-person and virtual. Strategies to improve attendance and engagement were shared and will be implemented in our district.
4. Things to Come
Keep your eye out for a survey regarding updated start times, primarily focusing on high school students. Your feedback will be crucial in presenting this information to the legislative body, so we can best support our students' needs.
We are committed to keeping you informed and involved in the progress of our district.
As we approach the holiday season, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your families. May you have a joyful and restful holiday season, and here's to a successful second half of the school year!
Your support and engagement are vital to our success. Thank you for your continued dedication to our schools and community.
Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year,
Jada Langford Fleming
School Board Member, District 6
The content and any opinions expressed in this article are solely the author's and do not necessarily reflect the facts, opinions, and beliefs of the Lee County School Board or its affiliates.