This story is part of a statewide partnership of 27 nonpartisan newsrooms and universities working to help Florida voters make informed decisions in the 2026 school board elections. Learn more about the Florida Elections Reporting Partnership.
Lee County voters will have to select one of four candidates they believe are best equipped to guide District 4 through declining enrollment and budget cuts—incumbent Debbie Jordan, and challengers Carl Baxter, Tony Beougher, and Gisele Gentile.
This year, the district proposed a $47 million budget reduction to accommodate the massive enrollment decrease that directly impacts state funding. Additionally, officials announced 475 employees would not be getting their contracts renewed for the upcoming year, including 275 teachers…