Lee County Schools Names First Superintendent in 50 Years, Tackles Teacher Shortage Crisis

Dr. Denise Carlin won the Lee County School District race, making history as she takes over leadership of 100,000 students — the first elected superintendent since the 1970s.

With 230 teaching positions empty, the district faces growing challenges. Students fall behind as classrooms remain vacant, driving dropout rates higher across schools.

Under Carlin's leadership, money will be reallocated to increase teacher pay. Her proposed Safe Start Initiative will add 30 minutes to high school days to help streamline bus schedules.

"We are going line by line through each division and finding money, working hard to find money that we can reallocate for teacher compensation," Carlin told Gulf Coast News Now.

Recent changes in federal immigration policies create worry about falling student numbers, especially affecting non-English speakers and undocumented children. While keeping strict safety measures in place, staff navigate carefully. They cannot ask about immigration status but must cooperate with ICE agents who come with valid warrants.