Lee County celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week amid budget changes

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)—Lee County School District is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, but some families say the festivities feel bittersweet amid uncertainty about upcoming budget changes.

Parents told WINK News, at a recent Matlacha WINK Listens event, they feel unsure of what's to come after the district announced plans to begin realigning school budgets.

"We want to just let the teachers and all the staff there know how much we appreciate them," said Chelsea Gamache, a parent at Pine Island Elementary School.

Gamache and fellow parent Rachael White say the teaching staff treats their kids like family. White described the school as an extension of home.

"They give everything to the school, to the kids, to the families, to the community. We love them," Gamache said.

With so much love for their tight-knit island school community, these two moms say that comes with concerns when talking about the district's upcoming budget realignments. Gamache expressed worry about ensuring her kids receive the best education possible.

The Lee County School District announced plans to begin realigning school budgets as it is projected to face a nearly $47 million deficit next year. In a press conference Friday, Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin emphasized she will make sure critical programs and staff that help students succeed are not cut.

"We are giving the schools a budget based on the student enrollment that they are going to have in the fall, and then they will staff those schools in accordance with a priority being student achievement," Carlin said. "Those are the directions that I've given to the principals. So let's be clear on that there has been overspending that is no longer going to happen in the school district of Lee County."

Despite nerves about the future, White said it hasn't impacted the quality of education her kids are receiving. She acknowledged the challenges facing teachers but praised their dedication.

"We know these cuts are challenging, we know they're hard, but they still come every day with the same great attitude," White said.

A spokesperson for the Lee County School District said they anticipate more specific information next week.