Gov. DeSantis touts $3B school safety push during Lehigh Acres press conference

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. (WINK) — Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted Florida's $3 billion investment in school safety and security during a press conference at Tortuga Preserve Elementary School in Lehigh Acres.

• SEE ALSO: DeSantis passes 2 education bills affecting teacher unions, school pay

 

DeSantis said he was elected in the wake of the Parkland shooting and wanted accountability for school safety. He said the state took the failures of Parkland and used funding to provide resources for a safe learning environment.

 

"A job well done for more safety in schools," DeSantis said.

 

Every school now has threat assessment teams and school safety officers. The Guardian program, which places trained personnel on campuses, has grown over the last few years to expand safety efforts.

 

DeSantis said he thinks students are in a good place to have a successful year with educational growth.

• SEE ALSO: Lee County schools face $46.7M deficit, budget cuts ahead

 

Henry Mack, Florida's 30th education commissioner and four days into his role, said the state will not lose ground on educational progress. Mack previously worked as a professor at the University of Miami and Florida International University.

 

"Doubling down on a historical era for Florida education," Mack said.

 

Mack said the state can provide good education while being fiscally responsible. He said Florida has led in registered apprenticeships and the earn-and-learn model to get people the education they need for employment.

 

He said the state needs to change the rhetoric that college is the only education option.

 

Lee County Schools Superintendent Denise Carlyn said last school year, the district achieved its highest grade point total in a decade. She said 29 schools improved their letter grades, and for the first time in years, the district has no D or F schools.

 

Carlyn challenged the district to eliminate C schools this year. She said Tortuga Preserve Elementary is a perfect example of growth and a testimony to the principal, teachers, students and families.

 

Gateway High School earned an A in its first six years of operation. Nearly two-thirds of schools in the district are now B or higher, which Carlyn called monumental.

 

The district's graduation rate reached 89%, the highest on record. Carlyn thanked the governor for increased funding for teacher salaries.

 

She said students are stepping into a school district that is stronger than it was a year ago.