Candidate: MARY FISCHER

Mary is dedicated to family and community service. A leader in the field of child advocacy, Mary works at promoting Family Literacy and Health & Safety programs. She is active in Prevention in the areas of Substance Abuse, Child Abuse and Bullying. She brings experience and institutional knowledge to the table.
Mary has resided in Cape Coral since 1977. Her family includes four children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, who have graduated from or are attending Lee County public schools.

She earned her B.A. in Social Science and her M.A. in Counselor Education at the University of South Florida as well as an A.A. in Human Services at Edison Community College.

Her experience includes:
The School District of Lee County – School Counselor; Teacher; Prevention Specialist Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator
Nationally Certified Trainer, BullySafe, USA
20th Judicial Circuit Court Administrator’s Office, Guardian Ad Litem, Program Director Lee Memorial Health System, Medical Social Worker

Mary has been honored for her school and community work.
Florida Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance and Sport Community Service Award
Florida Crisis Response Team Recognition
Lee County School Counselor Association Lifetime Achievement Award
BSA Silver Beaver Award for Community Service

Community Committees:
Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship Committee
Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida Board of Directors
Healthy Lee Coalition
Learning for Life, Inc.
PACE Advisory Board
St. Katharine Drexel Church, lector

Lee County School Board Liaison / Present Positions:
School Board Student Advisory Committee
School District Advisory Committee
School Health Advisory Committee
Quality Improvement Advisory Committee

Mary has served two terms on the Lee County School Board.

Accomplishment of Initiatives:
Alternatives to Suspension
Anti-Bullying Programs
Code of Conduct Changes Comprehensive Health Education

Remaining Goals:
Professional respect and adequate compensation for staff
Communication with transparency
Enhance school safety and security
Fiscal responsibility and accountability at all levels
Mediation rather than litigation