LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- A teacher shortage is impacting the Lee County School District.
70 positions are now vacant.
There are several reasons for the shortage of teachers.
2,000 new students came into the district this year alone.
The district and the teacher's union agree on two other challenges, less money in the budget and declining respect for the teaching profession.
Adding to the problem, union officials claim the Lee County Commission doesn't make education a priority.
As the county grows, the commission has cut fees it charges to developers, that pay for badly needed schools.
The school district will be holding a job fair later this week.
The district is also looking to grow its own teachers from within the system with its own teacher Academy. When highschool students graduate and complete their college education, they are guaranteed a job with the school district.
