Lee County board approves elementary-school demolition contract; adopts revised policies and confirms administrator appointments

The School District of Lee County board on Feb. 4 approved three items that will affect district operations: an award for demolition services at Hector A. Caffaratta Jr. Elementary School, adoption of revised board policies and a package of consent items that included several administrative appointments.

The board voted 6–0 with one abstention to award ITB CB25-0145AN for demolition services for Hector A. Caffaratta Jr. Elementary School to Hunch Destruction, Inc., and authorized the superintendent to execute related documents. School Board Member Persons announced he would abstain, citing Florida Statute 112.3143 and board policies 0141.2 and 0167 because a relative (his son-in-law) is the owner of the winning bidder and would receive a financial benefit. "I will be abstaining from voting on this item N1 as the owner of Hunch Destruction Inc. It is a relative, my son-in-law, who will receive financial gain," Persons said during the roll call.

Board members Giovanelli and Ribble led the motion to approve the award (moved by Giovanelli; seconded by Ribble). The chair called a roll-call vote; the board recorded the motion as carrying with six votes in favor and one abstention.

Separately, during a public hearing the board unanimously adopted revised board policies intended "to adopt best practices and promote transparency and accountability," with an effective date of Feb. 5, 2025. The adoption passed in an electronic vote recorded as 7–0 after a motion by Board Member Lankford Fleming and a second by Board Member Chaviano.

The board also approved the consent agenda without exception (motion carried 7–0). Following that approval, Superintendent Dr. Carlin announced several administrator appointments that will take effect immediately: Isabelle Sikora, talent acquisition recruiter; Philip Savage, director for business intelligence; Caitlin Quitero, coordinator for professional development; Kevin Beckman, coordinator for community support and volunteer programs; and Ernesto Adomno, director of athletics and activities (high school). Dr. Carlin said the appointments were effective with the passage of the consent agenda and congratulated the appointees.

No dollar amount for the total demolition project cost was announced during the meeting. The board’s vote authorizes the superintendent to execute contracts and related documents but did not include a timeline for demolition or subsequent construction at the site.

The meeting record shows standard disclosure and abstention procedures were followed: the member with the family tie publicly stated the relationship and legal citation before the vote, and the board attorney confirmed the disclosure satisfied legal requirements before the roll call. The public hearing on policy revisions drew no public speakers and concluded before the board’s final vote to adopt.

The board adjourned after routine good-of-the-order remarks and scheduling announcements for upcoming meetings.