The Lee County School Board has four of its seven seats on the ballot in the primary election Aug. 18.
Three candidates are vying to represent District 5.
Crystal Johnson is running for the District 5 seat. She’s a former paraprofessional and parent involvement specialist in the district. Johnson is a mother of four children who all attended Lee County schools and is also a grandmother. She considers herself a hands-on candidate with direct experience supporting local families and working with students.
As a lifelong resident of Fort Myers, she said she’s not a career politician but a community advocate who listens and shows up for what is right. Johnson said she’s committed to restoring confidence in the district by prioritizing stronger discipline, academic accountability and real partnerships between schools and parents.
School board candidates are campaigning on platforms of fiscal transparency, teacher retention and parental rights as the district navigates a $92.4 million budget deficit and “strategic budget realignment” that has already resulted in notices for 457 staff contract non-renewals.
The School District of Lee County is home to more than 100,000 students at its 118 schools. It is the eighth-largest school district in Florida and the 27th-largest in the nation, according to the district’s 2024-25 impact report.
Here’s what you should know about the Lee County School Board race and a Q&A with District 5 candidate Crystal Johnson.
Only voters residing within District 5 can vote for this race in the primary election Aug. 18, regardless of party affiliation. Unless one District 5 candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, the top two candidates with the most votes will face off in a runoff in the general election Nov. 3.
About the Lee County School Board District 5 seat
Schools within District 5 boundaries:
How much did Johnson raise?
As of the latest report July 3, Johnson’s campaign raised about $2,685.41.
Notable contributions came primarily from Johnson, who loaned more than $2,300 to her campaign. Other donors included retired Fort Myers resident V. Constance White-Davis, Cape Coral resident Shirley Burns and Lehigh Acres resident Gwynetta Gittens.
Who is Johnson running against in the 2026 primary election?
Johnson is competing against Carline Saintilus and incumbent Armor Persons in the primary election. If one candidate doesn’t secure the majority of votes during the primary election, the top two candidates will continue in a runoff election Nov. 3.
Q&A with Crystal Johnson, candidate for the Lee County School Board
Why are you running for school board?
I’m running because I’ve seen firsthand where the system is falling short inside the schools, not from the outside. Parents’ concerns go unaddressed, teachers feel unsupported and students are not getting what they need. I’m running to restore that confidence and bring common-sense leadership back to the district.
What is your background and what makes you suited for the job?
I’m a product of Lee County schools, and I work in them every day. I’ve served as a clerk, parent involvement specialist and now a paraprofessional. I work directly with students, support teachers and understand the real challenges happening in classrooms. I also advocate for families navigating IEPs, 504s (Individualized Education Program and 504 plans support students with disabilities) and district systems. I don’t need a briefing to understand the issues—I have years of lived experience.
What are your top three priorities, and how specifically would you take action on them?
Teacher pay and cost of living
Teachers and support staff are underpaid, especially with the rising cost of living. We need to prioritize them in the budget and cut unnecessary spending. You can’t ask teachers to do more with less.
District budget and deficits
We have to be honest about where the money is going. I will push for a full review of spending, cut waste and make sure students are receiving the supports they need.
Expanded availability of school vouchers
Public schools should be fully funded and supported. I am not in favor of diverting funds to school choice. It weakens the system for the majority of students. I support strengthening public education first.
School security and safety
Safety is non-negotiable. That includes trained personnel on campus, strong relationships with students, clear procedures and addressing mental health needs before situations escalate.
Parental rights
Parents should be informed, involved and respected. Schools should partner with families, not shut them out. Transparency is key.
Curriculum and academic achievement
We need to get back to basics—reading, writing and arithmetic—and make sure students are truly learning. We also need to support teachers with the tools and training they need to help every child succeed.
What else do you think can be done better in the district?
We need better communication and more accountability. Decisions shouldn’t feel disconnected from what’s happening in schools. The district needs to listen more, respond faster and act with intention.
Is there anything else you want to add?
My campaign is about restoring confidence in our students, our parents and our district. We can do better, and I’m ready to do the work.
Mickenzie Hannon is a watchdog reporter for The News-Press and Naples Daily News, covering Collier and Lee counties. Contact her at 239-435-3423 or mhannon@gannett.com.
Follow The News-Press & Naples Daily News throughout the Election 2026 campaign season, including important deadlines and Q&As with candidates running in key Southwest Florida races.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Meet Lee County School Board candidate Crystal Johnson before election
Reporting by Mickenzie Hannon, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mickenzie Hannon, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News | USA TODAY Network
