Lee County schools cut 275 teachers amid $46M budget deficit

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—The Lee County School District gave notice to 457 staff members, including 275 teachers, as it deals with a $46.7 million budget deficit.

Last week, the Lee County School Board meeting was interrupted as chants of "shame" echoed across the room. Parents, teachers and students have become increasingly vocal as the district cuts staff to deal with the budget shortfall.

The window for contract non-renewals closed on May 11. In 2011, state lawmakers passed a law eliminating tenure for teachers, placing them on annual contracts.

Over the last few weeks, notices have trickled out to staff across the district. 

"It's difficult to find somebody who hasn't been impacted by this," Kevin Daly, president of the Teachers Association of Lee County previously told WINK News. 

Daly said cuts included teachers, administrative staff and assistant principals. The district says lower enrollment, lower property values and rising costs are driving the deficit.

"Decisions were made with the classroom and the students in mind, first," said Rob Spicker, director of communications for the school district. 

• RELATED: Lee County parents pack school board meeting over budget cut concerns

Some teachers could find another job with the district.

Lee County schools encouraged staff who received a non-renewal notice to seek another job with the district. It already has 122 teacher vacancies next year, according to a news release. 

Lee County schools said the "natural attrition" rate for teachers leaving the district is the lowest in at least six years. Natural attrition includes retirements, resignations, performance, and certification-related departures, the district said. 

As recently as 2023, 924 teachers left the district.

Some parents have vocally opposed the cuts, protesting outside school district headquarters.

Perhaps the strongest pushback has come from families at Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts School in Fort Myers.

Parents raised concerns the school's wide-ranging humanities program -  including dance, theater, and violin lessons - could face cuts. 

Spicker, the district spokesman, said athletics and arts programs will not be eliminated. 

"We've continuously said the service delivery for some things may be different, but the programs themselves will continue," Spicker said. "And that's really the message that our parents should know."

Some teachers have pushed back, including at last week's school board meeting. Jason Larkin, a Lee County teacher, spoke during public comment. 

"And you're right, you're not cutting the arts or athletics," Larkin said. "Just the people who run them."