‘State of Schools’ breakfast celebrates Lee County accomplishments

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- The Foundation for Lee County Schools held its annual Partners in Education State of the Schools breakfast at the Broadway Palm Theater Friday morning.

The theme was Star Wars, with school and foundation leaders dressing in costume to play the part.

Superintendent Dr. Nancy Graham described the state of schools as “good,” and used the words “focused” and “determined” to describe the district.

She says students face more challenges than ever before.

“Life is more challenging and academic expectation are greater but there is a positive lining. Our students are rising to the challenge of both and doing so with great success.”

Some of the district achievements included a balanced budget without going into reserves, increased learning gains across the board and fewer tests. The district went from a ‘C’ to a ‘B’ and several schools increased two letter grades.They also have a school counselor at every school and a three-year strategic plan in place.

“We’re excited that we have a strategic plan to guide us for next year, to guide our budget and the work that we do so we have a little more alignment between the schools and throughout the district,” said Graham.

She talked about the challenges too, especially funding, growth and state requirements. She says, “the challenges that come with working with a state accountability system that is in flux. It’s just the reality for us right now.”

The presentation received a standing ovation and praise from the crowd.