Lee schools superintendent talks back to school changes, safety

Students and parents are getting ready to head back to classrooms in Lee County, and there are some changes compared to last year.

The COVID-19 restrictions are gone, which means parents are allowed back on campus. They can now join their kids in the classroom or in the lunch room.

This year, parents can sign up to make sure school dances stay G-rated. Parents with kindergarteners can now walk them to class.

The School District of Lee County Superintendent Christopher Bernier says be prepared to cry on your way out because it will be only the first of many memories you make with your child at school.

“Having moms and dads back in the classroom helping with reading, helping with class parties happening with PTA dances, and you know, being involved in their school advisory committees. We’re back, and I’m excited. I’m excited about what the school year holds.” said Bernier.

Parents back in the classroom will be especially helpful with the teacher shortage as we enter the 2022-2023 year.

Bernier says there are 203 open positions, but there are 278 people making their way through the pipeline. That means they’ve applied or they’re going through background checks and fingerprinting.

There will still be a shortage when doors open next week. Bernier said in the meantime, they will reassign central staff who are certified to teach and work with a pool of guest teachers.

“We are doing everything humanly possible to draw our teachers in. We have amazing central office staff who are certified, who can help children learn right from day one. And we have amazing guest teachers who are certified retirees who’ve previously taught. We can cover our classrooms and make sure our children get on the trajectory to be successful,” said Bernier.

The average class size still isn’t known. That will come out when the master schedules are finalized.

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