A Message from our Board Chair
It is an honor to serve our community as Board Chair of the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. For nearly four decades, the Foundation has stood as a partner to our educators, students, and families, advancing opportunities that strengthen not only our schools but also the long-term vitality of our region.
As the 8th largest school district in Florida, serving more than 101,000 students, our challenges are significant—but so are our opportunities. The future of our community depends on our ability to prepare today’s students to thrive in a world that is increasingly complex, competitive, and fast-changing. The Foundation embraces this responsibility with a focus on strategic, long-term investments that support academic achievement, career readiness, and leadership development.
Through programs such as scholarships, classroom and educator grants, mentoring, career discovery initiatives, and educator recognition, we connect the power of business and community leadership with the needs of our schools. Together, we are ensuring that every student—regardless of background or circumstance—has access to the resources and encouragement they need to succeed. A community that invests in education is a community that secures its own future: cultivating engaged citizens, building a strong workforce, and nurturing the next generation of leaders.
I am deeply grateful for the commitment of our partners, from local businesses to dedicated volunteers, who continue to strengthen this mission. I invite you to join us in this important work—whether through financial contributions, the donation of supplies, or the gift of your time and expertise. Your involvement is critical to ensuring that Lee County remains a place where education is valued, opportunity is accessible, and the promise of every child can be realized.
Sincerely,
R. Noelle Branning, Esq.
Lee County Tax Collector
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Denise M. Carlin, Ed.D
Harlan C. Parrish*
Michèle Laboda, DMD*
Aseygul Timur, Ph.D
Denise Vidal
Jeffrey L. Kunberger
Robbie B. Roepstorff*
EMERITUS
Richard Ackert*
Chris Bundschu*
Jon Cecil *
Eva Freeman*
Gary H. Griffin*
Steve Pontius
Charles K. Idelson*
Steven C. Shimp*
Mike Martin, Ph.D
E. Bruce Strayhorn*
Kenneth A. O'Donnell*
Linda K. Taylor*
Gary V. Trippe*
* Past Board Chairman