In 2018, as the School District of Lee County was facing a critical infrastructure crisis, Jon Romine provided leadership of a cross-sector coalition to launch the “Change for Change” initiative. This bold half-cent sales tax referendum aimed at closing the district’s massive capital funding gap. Although the economy had begun to recover from the 2008 recession, impact fee revenues in 2018 remained well below pre-recession levels, illustrating the long-lasting effects of the economic downturn, especially in Southwest Florida. With student enrollment rising, the school system faced dire constraints in its ability to build, maintain, and modernize facilities.
His efforts included aligning business leaders, community advocates, educators, and parents around a shared message of long-term value, safety, and educational equity. His ability to navigate political tensions, craft compelling narratives, and secure both grassroots and financial support was instrumental in the campaign’s success.
Despite the political risks, Jon stepped into a leadership void, demonstrating his willingness to champion difficult but necessary solutions for the greater good. Thanks to these efforts, Lee County voters approved the referendum, unlocking over $650 million in funding to date. These investments have supported the construction of new schools in high-growth areas, upgraded safety and security systems, and modernized dozens of aging facilities – transforming learning environments for more than 100,000 students.
