Lee County school superintendent candidates debate over hot button issues

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Candidates competing for the Lee County School Superintendent title faced off and discussed issues and possible solutions.

From getting your children to and from school on time to teachers taking on subjects they know nothing about, the district has been exposed to several longstanding issues.

With the election just 47 days away, one of the most pervasive issues for Lee County Public Schools has been bus stops and safety, as children wait in darkness for their school buses to arrive.

The top two candidates are Dr. Denise Carlin, a retired educator with 32 years of experience in the Lee County School District, and attorney Victor Arias.

Both candidates addressed their plans for tackling important issues for parents.

Dr. Denise Carlin. Credit: WINK News

“I have many priorities, but I’ve narrowed them down to five. Safe and secure schools increase student achievement, increase teacher recruitment and retention, ensure fiscal responsibility, and empower the voices of our parents,” said Carlin.

“Many politics have been going into the school and the classroom, and I don’t think that’s correct. The classroom should be for teaching, and parents should have access. And I think the educators should have the liberty and freedom to teach what’s appropriate and the existing curriculum,” said Arias.

Victor Arias. Credit: WINK News

The two candidates had seven categories with multiple questions in each to answer.

Two of the seven categories were school safety and teacher pay.

Safety in schools is a topic school districts across the county are talking about, especially after the most recent mass shooting at a school Georgia where two students and two teachers died.

Both candidates addressed school resource officers, metal detectors and what they would bring to the table if they became superintendent.

Collier County’s recent raise in teacher pay was also brought up.

Both candidates said they will work to pay teachers in this district competitively with the rest of Southwest Florida.

They also agreed with November less than two months away, it’s important to be registered and educated to cast your vote.

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