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fullname
Jennifer (Jenn)
lastname
McDaigle
first name
Jenn
Education
BA with concentrations in youth & psychology
contactemail
vote@jennforeverychild.com
Campaign Phone
9412570101
Incumbent (Yes or No)
No
Endorsements
Talc & Spalc (Teachers Union); The School Board Project; FL NOW
A lifetime shaped by public schools, child advocacy, and leadership has prepared me for this role. I grew up in Florida public schools, raised by a single mom, and understand how schools can change a child’s life. I spent years advocating for students of all ages, including my daughter Quillen, until she died in 2023. Professionally, I bring a decade of experience as a VP of Sales for global technology companies, leading teams, solving complex problems, and preparing for the future.
My vision for a world-class Lee County school system is one where every child is seen, supported, challenged, and prepared for the future. That means strong academic foundations, hands-on learning, creativity and the arts, thoughtful use of AI and technology, and teachers who are respected, supported, and able to plant roots here. World-class schools do not just prepare students for tests or careers; they prepare them to think, adapt, lead, and live meaningful lives.
The board must make employee compensation a budget priority. Starting with fiscal transparency, honoring collective bargaining with TALC & SPALC, not bypassing it. conducting regular cost-of-living and market comparisons with neighboring counties, addressing salary compression, and building a long-term compensation plan for teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, and support staff. We cannot recruit and retain excellent people if they cannot afford to live in the communities they serve. Strong schools require stable, supported employees.
With 57% of our elementary students not reading at grade level, we must act earlier. Lee County should expand access to high-quality early learning by partnering with VPK providers, childcare centers, libraries, pediatricians, and community organizations to reach families before kindergarten. That means nutrition support, early literacy, developmental screenings, parent support, and help navigating services before a child falls behind. Readiness should not depend on a family’s income or zip code. Every child deserves a strong start.
A $46.7 million deficit tied to the misuse of capital funds demands more than explanations; it demands real change. I would push for clear, plain-language budget reporting, regular public updates on major spending decisions, stronger contract oversight, and transparent data showing whether programs are improving student outcomes. Families and employees should not be blindsided by cuts or decisions. Trust is rebuilt when the public can see where money goes, why choices are made, and who is accountable.
Improving communication starts with meeting families where they are. I would push for , multilingual communication, consistent outreach across every neighborhood, and more opportunities for families to be heard before decisions are made. The district should use schools, libraries, faith communities, civic groups, and digital tools to reach families directly. Communication cannot only happen when there is a crisis. Trust is built through consistency, accessibility, and follow-through.
Reliable transportation and safe routes are basic student safety issues. I'd push the district to use real-time traffic data to improve on-time performance, maintain a clear plan to recruit and retain staff, and communicate honestly with families about timelines. I'd support continued investment in BusPatrol to hold reckless drivers accountable at bus stops, and push for direct coordination with Cape Coral/Lee County engineering on sidewalks and crosswalks near schools, so safe walking and biking routes aren't determined by zip code.
Having spent a decade in global technology companies where AI reshaped hiring and job descriptions in real time, I know students need more than a diploma. Lee County should expand CTE pathways, dual enrollment, industry certifications, internships, and mentorships across every high school, not just a few. We must also teach the durable skills AI cannot replace: critical thinking, adaptability, creativity, problem-solving, and communication. Every graduate should leave with a clear next step and the ability to keep adapting.
