Lee County school board approves federal lobbying contract, adopts 2025-26 conduct codes and revised policies

The Lee County School Board voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a one‑year contract with Ballard Partners for federal legislative services, adopt 2025–26 codes of conduct for students and adult learners, and approve a package of new and revised board policies.

Superintendent Carlin recommended the Ballard Partners contract and told the board the estimated expenditure for federal lobbying services is $180,000 for the 12‑month period beginning March 5, 2025. "My recommendation is approval of the contract for professional services with Ballard Partners to provide federal legislative service to the board," Carlin said during the meeting.

The board approved the consent agenda by a 6‑0 roll call vote and later approved the pulled contract item, with the motion on the Ballard Partners contract moved by Mr. Bridal and seconded by Ms. Lankford Fleming. In the roll call that followed, board members recorded ayes from Mr. Bridal, Ms. Jordan, Mr. Persons, Ms. Lankford Fleming, Ms. Chaviano and Mr. Ribble; the motion carried 6‑0.

Board members also voted 6‑0 to adopt the 2025–26 student code of conduct, the 2025–26 adult‑student code of conduct, and the new and revised board policies. Each of those items was presented by Superintendent Carlin and authorized the superintendent to execute related documents; the adopted effective dates ranged from March 4–5, 2025 depending on the item.

Public commenters objected to hiring outside lobbyists and to what speakers described as the district's spending priorities. India Palencia, who identified herself as a parent, asked, "What exactly are they lobbying for? This district already has a government relations position...so why are we outsourcing a responsibility that should already be handled in house?" Several commenters contrasted the contract cost with teacher pay and other district needs.

During discussion board members sought and received clarification that the Ballard Partners engagement is for federal lobbying activity and that the estimated amount on the contract document is $180,000 for the year. A board member confirmed the contract includes a provision that Fort Myers‑based staff would not be performing the contracted federal lobbying work.

After the votes Superintendent Carlin introduced several administrators who were presented at the dais: Jennifer Fuller as coordinator of government compliance and investigations, Ed Matthews as associate superintendent for adult, career, technical and alternative education, and Angel Gomez as interim principal of South Fort Myers High School (through the end of the school year).

The board recorded no opposing votes. Members and the superintendent said the district will pursue legislative priorities for 2025 in Tallahassee and pursue federal appropriations work in Washington, D.C., as part of the district's stated priorities for safety, achievement and fiscal realignment.

The board scheduled its next workshop for April 4, 2025.

Votes at a glance - Ballard Partners federal legislative services contract (03/05/2025–03/05/2026): estimated $180,000; motion moved by Mr. Bridal, seconded by Ms. Lankford Fleming; roll call vote 6 ayes, 0 nays — approved. - Approval of 2025–26 student code of conduct: motion moved and seconded on the floor; vote 6‑0 — approved; effective 03/05/2025. - Approval of 2025–26 adult code of conduct: vote 6‑0 — approved; effective 03/05/2025. - Approval of new and revised board policies: vote 6‑0 — approved; effective 03/04/2025.

The board recorded the votes on the public record by roll call; no abstentions or recusals were recorded.