Teachers warn medication delays and budget threats are driving staff losses in Lake County Schools

Multiple Lake County teachers, union leaders and staff told the school board on May 12 that a recent change to the district prescription benefit manager and mounting state budget pressures threaten educator retention and classroom stability.

Speakers said the district’s transition to a new pharmacy benefits process has delayed or denied essential medications for employees, and that proposed state budget cuts and expanded private school vouchers are diverting funds from public schools. The comments came during the public‑input portion of the board meeting and were followed by responses from board members who said district committees are working to resolve benefit problems and to increase public outreach on funding threats.

Jessica Sawicki, media specialist at Umatilla High School and vice president‑elect of the Lake County Education Association, urged the board to create a public‑facing plan to engage families and community leaders on state funding issues. "We will have time to change course we still have time to change course but only if we act now," Sawicki said, calling for a coordinated local advocacy effort.

Elizabeth Emery told the board she appreciated the district’s VIBIO FAQ and the district communications outreach, but warned state legislative proposals could sharply reduce local school resources. She said the current proposed Florida legislative budget would cut college and career programs, leave Florida last in average teacher pay and divert "$4,000,000,000 in taxpayer funds to vouchers." "If that $4,000,000,000 stayed in public schools, it would be enough to give every Florida educator a $15,000 raise," Emery said.

Several teachers described personal impacts of the benefits change. Bridal Lewis, a teacher at Academy of Lake Hills South, said she went without diabetes medication for seven weeks during the benefits transition and endured repeated paperwork problems before approval was granted. "I cried Friday when I finally got the call that my medication was approved," Lewis said, describing the stress and the time she spent on calls and messages.

Tamara Russell, a fourth‑grade teacher at Beverly Shores Elementary, said more than 30 staff members had written to the district about delays and denials of medications ranging from diabetes drugs to cancer treatments. "This transition has not been easy for the district or employees," Russell said. She asked board members to reach out directly to affected staff and urged the board to check in with educators before summer.

Other speakers described broader staffing pressures: several said teachers are working multiple jobs, facing heavy workloads, and that some are already leaving the district. David Lopez, a 29‑year educator, said he could not in good conscience recommend teaching to young people under current conditions.

Board members acknowledged the concerns and outlined district efforts. The superintendent’s office and the district’s benefits team have produced a VIBIO FAQ and are holding meetings to assist employees with appeals and prior‑authorization problems, the board said. A board member who serves on the district insurance committee said the committee will continue meeting to resolve outstanding issues and urged Vivio (the district’s benefits vendor) to improve service. District staff also said a marketing and communications plan will be shared with board members to help mobilize community support.

Speakers and board members asked for continued transparency and collaboration between the district and the Lake County Education Association. No formal board action was taken on benefits or compensation during the meeting; board members said they would continue committee work and community outreach and encouraged staff to document unresolved cases so the district can pursue fixes.

The board also approved routine consent items and the meeting proceeded to other agenda items.