Lee County teachers face uncertainty as school district finalizes job cut numbers

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

The School District of Lee County is still determining how many teaching positions will be cut, with officials saying they need updated numbers from each school principal before releasing the information.

“We are still finalizing that data and anticipate having it available by Friday. As soon as it is confirmed, you will be among the first to receive it,” the district said in a statement.

District Superintendent Denise Carlin said she is committed to reviewing every taxpayer dollar to ensure funds are used appropriately.

Madelon Stewart, a passionate advocate for Lee County teachers, shared her perspective on the situation.

“She is in a very difficult situation, there's no question about it,” Stewart said.

Stewart, who holds a doctorate in education from Columbia University and has worked as a teacher, administrator, and trainer, expressed concerns about the relationship between the district and educators.

“It has to do with respect as well. And I think that if the teachers don't trust and if the school board members don't trust and respect the teachers, if there's kind of a tone when we talk about teachers from the district level, then that gets filtered down into the feeling of there must be something really terribly wrong,” she said.

The district has not provided a specific date for when the finalized numbers will be released. A former Lee County high school teacher said educators are on edge, calling the uncertainty unfair to teachers and their families.

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