Fort Myers parents protest Lee County school cuts amid $46M deficit

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Parents gathered outside the Lee County School District offices to protest potential staffing cuts and to raise concerns about what the changes could mean for their children.

WINK News was at the scene as parents voiced their worries about potential impacts to classrooms, including arts programs. The district is currently facing a projected $46 million deficit.

Rob Spicker with the School District of Lee County addressed the financial challenges.

"As complicated as our budget is, if anybody at home recognizes the fact, when you have less money coming in than you are spending going out, that can't be sustainable," Spicker said. "You can't live that way, and eventually you have to make some hard choices reconcile the two that serve so that they're even. Once you get through that, you're stronger on the other end."

Spicker said the district is focused on realigning spending, not cutting programs. He emphasized that arts and athletics are not being eliminated.

More clarity is expected by the middle of next week. Parents at the protest said they want answers now, before any final decisions are made.