The Lee County School Board has officially approved the district’s move to seek accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) — a step that would make Lee County the first school district in Florida and the largest in the United States to pursue this prestigious recognition.
At the April 8 workshop meeting, board members expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting the district’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment for students, teachers, and staff.
“Being a leader in this is awesome,” said Board Member Melisa Giovannelli. “Students aren’t learning if they are not feeling safe. This shows the community that we are serious about safety.”
Board Chair Sam Fisher agreed, calling the move “amazing” and emphasizing how it positions Lee County as a leader both statewide and nationally.
“This really shows that — a leader in the state and the country,” Fisher added.
What is CALEA Accreditation?
Safety, Security, and Fleet Operations Chief Dave Newlan explained that the CALEA accreditation would cover the district’s non-sworn security personnel — including security specialists, safety teams, and guardians — rather than traditional law enforcement officers.
Through the accreditation process, the district would establish a comprehensive and standardized framework for managing campus security based on national best practices. It would also ensure ongoing collaboration with community partners to strengthen public safety efforts.
Newlan noted that achieving accreditation is a two-year process under either the basic or advanced standard.
Program Overview and Costs
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Initial Accreditation Cost: $7,565 (based on 24–199 non-sworn full-time employees)
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Annual Renewal Fee: $3,110
CALEA Program Manager Vince Dauro shared that their Campus Security Accreditation Program was introduced in 2010 with extensive input from educational institutions.
Although the campus program is CALEA’s newest and smallest (compared to its 1,300 programs across four countries), it has proven highly effective.
“It gives campuses a clear format for operating best-in-class security programs,” Dauro said.
He explained that whether students are on or off campus, the same security principles apply.
Among K–12 institutions, several are currently working toward accreditation, and Milton Hershey School remains a flagship example of success under the program.
Basic vs. Advanced Accreditation
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Basic Accreditation: Focuses on core standards, ideal for smaller agencies.
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Advanced Accreditation: Offers a deeper, more detailed approach, linking security tasks with specific operational functions.
Newlan emphasized that accreditation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of continuous improvement.
“You have two years to reach accreditation, but the goal is to complete it even faster,” he said.
“Everyone must be committed to embracing the process.”
A Commitment to Safe Learning Environments
Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin underscored the vital connection between safety and academic success.
“Our top priority is to increase student achievement, and that cannot happen if students do not feel safe and secure,” Carlin said.
“We look forward to this journey and appreciate the board’s support.”
By taking this bold step, Lee County School District is reinforcing its pledge to create a secure, thriving educational environment — leading not just in Florida, but setting a new standard for schools across the nation.
