On Monday during a one hour long break at the Town Council meeting, Mayor Dan Allers participated in a phone call with Congressman Byron Donalds and School Superintendent Denise Carlin about the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School. We asked Allers all about the call and here’s what he had to say…
BTR: How did the meeting go on Monday with Lee County School Superintendent Denise Carlin and Congressman Byron Donalds?
Mayor Allers: It was a productive discussion about next steps and timelines. There are still important conversations that need to happen, but overall, I feel it went well.
BTR: What was your goal, and was it accomplished?
Mayor Allers: My goal was to gain clarity on where the Superintendent stands in her recommendation to the School Board, and to determine if other options—beyond what the consultant presented—were being considered. Specifically, I wanted to explore alternatives that could ensure the school stays open while avoiding the kind of conflict we experienced after Hurricane Ian and are seeing again now. I believe progress was made toward that goal.
BTR: What did Congressman Donalds say?
Mayor Allers: Congressman Donalds focused on two key questions:
1. Had they considered transitioning the school to a charter model, either directly or by allowing Fort Myers Beach to pursue that path?
2. What was the timeline for a decision on the future of FMB Elementary?
The Superintendent indicated that those and other options are being considered and agreed to bring the issue back for School Board discussion by the end of August.
BTR: What is your message to parents after the meeting?
Mayor Allers: I want to be transparent—at this point, I don’t see a path where the school remains a traditional public school. However, I do believe there’s a viable path forward, either as a hybrid model or a full charter school. Our ultimate goal is to keep our children on the island and preserve the school as a community cornerstone for generations to come. The next few months will be critical to making that happen.
BTR: Do you believe the School District will keep the school open?
Mayor Allers: I think there’s a path forward where the school remains open. Whether that’s under the School District or through a transition to town or charter control is still to be determined.
BTR: What are the next steps?
Mayor Allers: We plan to meet with each School Board member before any final decision is made. The Superintendent committed to providing an update on possible solutions by the end of August—or sooner, if possible. One key step will be determining the origin and ownership of the land the school sits on. Congressman Donalds agrees that this is an essential first step in determining how—and by whom—the Beach School will be operated.
A charter school would be nice.
Who negotiates for the town? How about a steeled pro from outside town hall. Instincts of a jewel thief. I can hope.
The school needs to be run by the school district. This is another government agency ignoring the legitimate needs and rights of FMB . We had a school. An historic event damaged it . It needs to be replaced. It needs to be a Lee County school district school
In the meantime let’s get portables or space at the new Town Hall or Bay Oaks ready for fall. The lessons the kids are learning about adults are staging. Indecision, unreliable , kids don’t count
We know what needs to be done. Get on with it.
No school means no young families will live on the island. That will change everything
Young families are being priced out. With multi million dollar condos and huge resorts being approved by council, that has already changed everything. The school needs families with kids to live on the island. Yes, workers can bring their kids to the school but that really isn’t happening as some workers are part time and most want to keep their kids in their neighborhood school.