Dr. Denise Carlin — elected as the School District of Lee County superintendent — is sworn into office Tuesday. PROVIDED

For the first time in 50 years an elected superintendent — Dr. Denise Carlin — was sworn into office Tuesday for the School District of Lee County.

“It’s a special moment for the School District of Lee County as we witness the swearing in of our new leaders. These dedicated public servants will serve for the next four years,” School Board Chair Sam Fisher said.

Three board members were also sworn in as a result of the Nov. 5 election – incumbent Melisa Giovannelli, District 2; Bill Ribble, District 3; and Vanessa Chaviano, District 7, an at-large seat. They will join Fisher, Armor Persons, Debbie Jordan and Jada Langford-Fleming.

“A standing ovation, holy cow. Thank you,” Carlin said after her husband, Honorable John S. Carlin swore her in. “To the voters of Lee County, this is the first time we have elected a superintendent of schools in 50 years. I know you expect me to be accountable to you, and I promise you I will.”

Lee County voters approved changed the post from a board-appointed staff position to an elected office in 2022.

Bill Ribble, elected to represent District 3 on the School District of Lee County school board, is sworn into office Tuesday. PROVIDED

There are five things Carlin said she was going to tackle starting Wednesday morning — ensuring safe schools, making sure to increase student achievement, being fiscally responsible, teacher retention and recruitment, and empower the voice of parents.

“I need your help. I am asking for your help today. Four years are going to go by very quickly,” Carlin said. “We are committed to make this happen, and we are going to make good things happen. I look forward to moving it forward to the top of the state and nation. We will be the best.”

She thanked “all mighty God,” as well as her husband. Carlin also thanked her two sons, who are her inspiration for the superintendent role. There were also two special guests in the crowd, her parents’ best friends, as she lost her mother very early on in life and her father passed away 13 years ago.

Carlin extended a special thank you to interim Superintendent Dr. Ken Savage, who she made her deputy superintendent.

“I could not tell you how much I have learned from him. You continue to come back,” she said, as he served as the interim superintendent twice. “You put everything aside. Thank you for loving our kids, caring for our staff and being true stewards for this community.”

Melisa Giovannelli, School District of Lee County board member representing District 2, was sworn into office Tuesday surrounded by family. PROVIDED

There was also a number of elected officials in the crowd, whom she thanked, as they endorsed her and got more people involved in the race.

Carlin also thanked her campaign manager as this was the first time she ran for office. She said she had no idea about politics, and he got her across the finish line.

“I see the principals, district administrators, teachers, friends new and old. My heart is full. I see people standing at the back. It makes my heart smile,” she said. “We ran a very long campaign, 13 months. Through it all I knew — I kept my eye on the prize and knew what we had the privilege to do — that was to serve you and over 100,000 students in the district. I don’t take that lightly.”

Honorable Frank Porter swore in Giovannelli, who was surrounded by family.

“I express my heartfelt gratitude in placing your trust in me once again,” Giovannelli said, adding that the support means the world to her. “I promise to work tirelessly for the education and well-being of our students and children.”

Vanessa Chaviano, elected to represent District 7, an at-large seat, on the School District of Lee County school board, was sworn into office Tuesday. PROVIDED

She thanked her husband, two daughters, parents, as well as the support of two outgoing board members. Giovannelli also congratulated Carlin.

“I support and welcome this much-needed change for accountability to the people we serve,” she said. “We are lucky to have Dr. Carlin as our newly elected superintendent. Together, we are going to be a board who listens and respects those we serve. I am honored to be a part of this new board — truly a momentous day.”

Giovannelli recognized that she was there by grace.

“God brought me to this moment. I know we can achieve important things together,” she said.

Ribble was also sworn in by Honorable Carlin. He was accompanied by his wife and daughter. He said Wayne Smith called him more than 17 months ago, while enjoying a great retirement, for the school board opening.

Ribble also thanked many people including his wife, as well as Gov. Ron DeSantis for his great endorsement.

“Thank you all for your support. I appreciate that support and continued support as we move forward,” he said.

Ribble said he has worked with the district on a volunteer basis for the strategic plan, which he said in the past year the board, and Savage’s leadership, the gap was closed on some things.

“I am looking forward to being a part of a very civil and collaborative meeting,” he said.

Chaviano, who was also sworn in by Honorable Carlin, and accompanied by her husband, daughters, mother and sister, thanked God first and foremost for his guidance throughout her journey.

“I’m so grateful for his presence every step of the way,” she said.

Chaviano went on to thank her husband — her rock, family — for their patience, friends for their support, and the public for placing trust in her.

“Thank you all for being here today. I am honored to serve,” Chaviano said.