As a special education teacher, this issue is deeply personal to me. I have worked with students carrying invisible burdens—anxiety, trauma, grief, and learning challenges that are not always seen or understood. One truth is clear: a child who does not feel safe cannot learn, and a child carrying trauma cannot thrive. Too many students in Lee County are still struggling without the support they need. We must do more. While our schools benefit from having law enforcement officers on campus, safety goes beyond physical security. I will advocate for a licensed mental health counselor in every school across the Lee County School District, ensuring students have consistent, on-campus support. I will also work to strengthen existing safety measures and continue collaborating with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to support and protect our campuses. Safety is not optional, and mental health is not secondary—it is the foundation of student success.
School Safety & Mental Health
As a special education teacher, this issue is deeply personal to me. I have worked with students carrying invisible burdens—anxiety, trauma, grief, and learning challenges that are not always seen or understood. One truth is clear: a child who does not feel safe cannot learn, and a child carrying trauma cannot thrive. Too many students across Lee County are still struggling without the support they need. We must do more. I will advocate for a licensed mental health counselor in every school within the Lee County School Board, ensuring students have consistent, on-campus support. I will also prioritize strengthening school safety measures to meet and exceed state standards, while working closely with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to protect our campuses. Safety is not optional, and mental health is not secondary—it is the foundation for student success.
Parental Rights & Transparency
Supporting Teachers, Strengthening Schools
Teachers are at the heart of our schools, and as an educator myself, I understand both the challenges and the dedication this profession demands. Every day, teachers in Lee County show up for our children—investing their time, their energy, and often their own money to ensure students have what they need to succeed. They stay late, take work home, and carry the responsibility of shaping young lives, yet far too often their compensation does not reflect their true value. And then we wonder why Lee County struggles to recruit and keep great teachers.
I am committed to advocating for competitive pay so we can attract and retain top talent in our classrooms. I will work to reduce the administrative burdens that pull educators away from teaching, and ensure classrooms are properly funded so teachers are no longer forced to pay out of pocket. You cannot have great schools without great teachers. Period.