Lee County School Board elections are right around the corner and the District 2 seat is up for grabs. Incumbent Melisa Giovannelli is running for re-election, but candidate Carol Frantz is also running for the seat.
Carol Frantz is a 68-year-old Democrat with three children who were educated in Lee County. She spent 46 years as a radiologic technologist before retiring.
Frantz has a passion for helping others, which led her to found a group at her church. The group makes lap robes for the elderly and baby blankets for mothers and babies.
Her passion for others was evident in her career as a radiologist, as Frantz said she practiced compassion and empathy in her patiemt care.
About the District 2 School Board position
- The Lee County School Board operates, controls, and supervises all public schools within the district. School Board members represent all Lee County schools.
- A Lee County School Board member makes around $40,000 per year
- School Board members serve four-year terms before needing to be re-elected
How much has Frantz raised so far?
Frantz has raised $3,000 toward her campaign so far.
"As this is a grassroots campaign, all contributors are notable," Frantz said.
Who is Frantz running against in the election?
Frantz is up against incumbent Melisa Giovannelli. Whoever wins the primary election on Aug. 20 will hold the District 2 seat on the Lee County School Board.
Here are candidate Frantz's answers to our questions:
The Lee County School District is expecting significant student growth and may need to build 10 new schools. How would you address the challenges of managing the growth illustrated in the District's new 10-year plan while ensuring all students receive a quality education?
We must actively involve the communities affected by the growth in decision-making processes. This involves listening to community concerns, gathering feedback and ensuring that new school developments meet local needs and expectations.
We must consider the environmental impact throughout the planning stages. Integrating new schools with the existing infrastructure includes evaluating transportation needs and access to utilities.
How would you address concerns about teacher retention and recruitment in Lee County, especially considering that neighboring counties offer higher salaries?
We must address our position at the lower end of the pay scale. Allocating a portion of the funds from the half cent tax toward competitive teacher salaries in addition to building, security, and maintenance, is essential.
Exploring alternative funding streams beyond property taxes and state allocations can provide additional resources for improving teacher compensation. This might include seeking grants, partnerships with local businesses, or finding areas where money is not being used wisely.
Do you believe that the Lee County School District is doing enough to ensure the safety and security of students and staff on school grounds? What changes, if any, would you advocate for in terms of school safety policies and procedures?
The Lee County School District has made significant investments into the physical security of schools by upgrading locks, adding fencing, and magnetometers. While these efforts are critical, we must also work inside the building to address issues like bullying and reasons why students and teachers may not feel safe inside the school.
It is imperative that we foster an anti-bullying program that is effective and creates a culture of respect and inclusion. We must promote mental health awareness and encourage open communication to ensure every member of the school community feels valued and protected.
What is your stance on the recent controversy surrounding the “Hate Has No Home Here” banner displayed in a Lee County classroom? How would you approach similar situations involving potentially controversial materials or displays in schools?
I don't view the words to be controversial. I see them as promoting acceptance and fostering a caring environment in all schools, values that I wholeheartedly support.
In handling situations involving controversial materials or displays in schools, I would be guided by principles of inclusivity, respect and educational benefit. We must uphold a welcoming and supportive school culture for all students and staff.
How would you address the concerns of parents and community members who have expressed dissatisfaction with certain books or materials available in school libraries? What role do you believe parents should play in shaping curriculum and library collections?
If parents and community members express dissatisfaction with specific books or materials in school libraries, there is a process in place to address those concerns. Parents have the option to opt out if they find specific materials inappropriate for their child.
We must recognize that each parent advocates for their own child, and no single parent should dictate decisions affecting all students.
I support parental involvement through the Curriculum Advisory Committee. Parents can contribute their perspectives on educational materials and curriculum choices. Parents can collaborate with educators and administrators to ensure library collections and curriculum align with community values and educational standards, respecting diverse viewpoints and a supportive learning environment for all students.
The Lee County School District recently revised its “Safe Space” designation stickers, removing the rainbow flag and language specifically mentioning LGBTQ+ inclusivity. What is your opinion on this change, and how important do you believe it is for schools to be welcoming and inclusive environments for all students?
It is imperative that schools are welcoming and inclusive environments for ALL students! It is not acceptable that we are making certain student populations feel marginalized.
The removal of the rainbow flag or LGBTQ+ language is a decision that speaks to inclusivity and respect.
As a School Board member, I would foster an environment where every student can be respected, accepted, and able to thrive.
What are your thoughts on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom? How should the school district approach AI to enhance education while addressing concerns about plagiarism and academic integrity?
The Florida State Board of Education has not taken a definitive stance on this issue, which leaves the direction of its use uncertain. We must move forward cautiously as there are potential enhancements to education with the use of AI. However, concerns of plagiarism and academic integrity rise with the use of AI.
There are programs that can be implemented that will detect the use of AI. These may be tools we can use to monitor students' use of AI.
Developing clear policies and guidelines on ethical use of AI is essential.
Given the new state bill allowing school districts to opt into a program with volunteer chaplains, what are your views on the role of religion in schools? How should the district handle the inclusion of religious activities while ensuring they respect the diverse beliefs of all students and comply with legal requirements?
My view aligns with the constitutional principle of separation of church and state. The United States Constitution explicitly prohibits the establishment of a state religion.
Religious activities belong in a church, synagogue, mosque, or temple. Religious activity at schools in clubs must be voluntary and student initiated. They must comply with legal standards.
What are the top priorities for your district, and what new initiatives will you focus on to improve the local education system?
The top priorities for our district are recruiting and retaining quality teachers and addressing discipline issues effectively. I would focus on initiatives aimed at providing our teachers with a living wage.
I would advocate for more counseling services to support troubled students.
By investing in our teachers and students’ wellbeing, we create a positive learning environment that promotes both academic achievement and personal growth.
What do you want voters to know about you, and why should they vote for you instead of your opponents?
As a longtime resident of Lee County, I will ensure our public-school students receive an excellent education that prepares them for success in today’s world.
With my retirement, I can dedicate time to the responsibilities of a School Board member, unlike my opponent who has a realtor job and is concurrently pursuing a role as Republican Committeewoman.
Unlike my opponent I did not sign a loyalty oath to any political party, allowing me to prioritize the best interests of our students and schools without partisan influence. My experience as a poll worker has shown me the importance of being nonpartisan.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Lee County School Board: Meet District 2 candidate Carol Frantz
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