Fort Myers Beach council initiates conflict-resolution process with Lee County School District over interlocal agreement

The Fort Myers Beach Town Council on Oct. 6 adopted a resolution initiating Florida's governmental conflict-resolution process with the Lee County School District, directing town staff to notify the superintendent and scheduling a public meeting to begin talks.

Vice Mayor Jim Aderholt and several public speakers urged the council to seek mediation or litigation over what they described as the school district's failure to meet obligations under the interlocal agreement concerning the island school. The council adopted resolution 25-296 and directed the town manager to set a date and time for the conflict-resolution meeting and to invite relevant officials, including town leadership and the superintendent.

Town attorney Nancy Stuprich explained the notice requirements under state law and staff outlined a proposed November meeting window. Councilors favored holding the meeting in the town's council chambers and broadcasting it so the public and parents could observe. The town will deliver formal notice to the Lee County superintendent and invite the school board to the meeting; statutory timing requires a short notice period followed by a 10-day window for the school board to request additional proceedings.

Council members and members of an island ad hoc committee said they want the district to account for FEMA funds and to show a plan to return students to the island school. The meeting is meant as a statutorily prescribed first step toward mediation or other dispute-resolution options under chapter 164 of the Florida Statutes.