$46M budget cut sparks protests at Lee County Schools headquarters

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Parents, students and teachers are pushing back against possible budget cuts in Lee County Schools.

Protesters gathered outside the district headquarters, voicing concerns about programs, teachers and what the changes could mean for students in the classroom. Honking horns and chanting filled the area as community members made their opposition known.

"We're protesting the Lee County public school district budget cuts," said Ali Olivio, a parent. "They threaten to deteriorate public education in a lot of different ways."

Parents say they're worried about what these changes could mean for their kids, especially when it comes to programs like the arts. Students echoed those concerns, emphasizing the importance of creative expression in their education.

"The arts is how people express themselves," said Evan Diviaso, a student at Cypress Lake High School. "It's the truest art form of expression."

Gabriel Bhatt, a student at Cypress Lake Middle, shared similar sentiments.

"The arts are just like the centerpiece of the school," Bhatt said. "Like, if we lose them, the school is just not going to be the same as it was anymore."

District spokesperson Rob Spicker says arts programs and athletics are not being eliminated. The district faces a projected $46 million deficit, and Spicker says the focus is on realigning spending.

"The arts programs are not being eliminated," Spicker said. "Athletics are not being eliminated. Those things that parents expect and count on are not being eliminated."

Spicker emphasized the need for financial sustainability.

"When you have less money coming in than you are spending going out, that can't be sustainable," Spicker said.

For protesters, the issue goes beyond budget numbers. Sophie Olivio, a student at Canterbury, stressed the importance of prioritizing student needs.

"It's not about what adults want, it's about what children need," Olivio said. "Because schools are for children, not for adults."

The latest budget overview does not specify where cuts will be made. The final budget hearing is scheduled for early September, but Spicker says there should be more clarity by the middle of next week.