Answering Lee County teachers’ questions for district administrators

Published:
Lee County classroom with masked students. Credit: WINK News

Teachers still on the job in Lee County want to know what’s being done to keep them. Some of the people responsible for your children’s education reached out to WINK News, asking that we take their concerns to officials with the School District of Lee County for answers, as LCSD battles a teacher shortage.

Nearly 900 teachers have left LCSD since July 2020. One of the remaining teachers sent WINK four questions she has for district administrators.

Why is LCSD creating new vacancies for guest teachers while the salaries of current veteran teachers aren’t being discussed?

District administrators say they aren’t creating any new vacancies for guest teachers; they’re discussing increasing their pay to attract them to the classroom. They say increasing teacher salaries is currently being discussed in collective bargaining sessions with the Teachers Association of Lee County.

What is being done to keep veteran teachers?

District administrators sent a list of incentives which includes expanded mental health wellness initiatives and retention bonuses. They also say they’re exploring other options, like flexible schedules, benefits that support work-life balance, and offering district office staff as support for schools.

Who is getting bonuses?

Non-instructional staff members got $1,000 in disaster relief payments in December 2021, but administrators say teachers received a $1,000 bonus in the fall of 2021.

Why can’t teachers participate in school board workshops?

According to the Lee County School Board’s policy, it does not receive public comment during workshops. However, every workshop is held publicly, recorded and posted on the LCSD’s YouTube page.

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