Lee County School’s Homegrown Advocate
One of the most powerful titles any man can have in any educational system is the title of “ Coach. “ When a student, parent, school administrator, or even the school’s resource officer calls a man “ Coach “ it signifies: authority, endearment, mentorship, and trust. That is exactly what Armor Person embodies.
Armor Persons is a sixth-generation Lee County native, whose deep roots in our public school system run from Edison Park Elementary to Fort Myers High School. With a family tradition of attending local schools—including his own children, and now his grandchildren—Armor brings a powerful personal commitment to serving the community he knows inside and out.
Growing up in Fort Myers, Armor attended Edison Park Elementary, moved on to Fort Myers Junior High, and received his diploma from Fort Myers High School in 1971. After high school, he pursued further studies at Edison State College and Florida Southern College. He has lived in North Fort Myers and runs his local business, Courtmaster, in Southwest Florida for over 30 years—a tennis‑court construction, resurfacing, and maintenance company that has become a trusted fixture across the region.
Armor’s deep ties to education extend beyond his own schooling: he later coached youth tennis, earning the nickname Coach, and shared his passion and discipline with countless students across the county. Through his work with Wilson Sports, membership in the US Pro Tennis Association, and advisory roles in local tennis programs, Armor has inspired generations of children to pursue excellence both on and off the court.
In August 2022, Armor Persons unseated incumbent Gwynetta Gittens *(picture of Gwynetta Gittens) in the District 5 primary, winning with 55% of the vote—clearly signaling community trust in his vision and leadership. The race, which covers Lehigh Acres and part of North Fort Myers, gave him the seat. He officially began his term in November 2022, which runs through November 2026.
Soon after he joined the board, widespread concerns including Hurricane Ian’s cascading impact on the district budget and increased school safety threats galvanized him to act. One of his first priorities was advocating for the Guardian Program, a plan to allow trained school staff to volunteer as armed guardians to enhance security—a proposal he had campaigned on and later successfully passed through the board in May 2023. The policy had failed multiple times under previous boards, but with Armor’s resolution, community outreach, and law-enforcement support, it was unanimously approved—a historic shift permitted by the board’s new culture of cooperation and conservative alignment.
Armor has emphasized budget transparency and accountability throughout his tenure. Working alongside fellow new board members, he helped bring in external oversight, including an audit by the Lee County Clerk of Court, to bolster public trust in the district’s nearly $2 billion operations and internal processes. He frequently advocates for open-door communication, workshops, and parent inclusion—marking a sharp shift from prior board culture toward more participatory governance.
Facing rapid population expansion—especially in the East Zone (including North Fort Myers, Alva, Lehigh Acres, and others)—Armor has helped oversee major capital investments. In March 2024, he described the district’s $1.5 billion Capital Plan, earmarked to add three new high schools, three middle schools, and four elementary schools, creating over 12,000 additional seats. Already underway are new schools like Amanecer Elementary and Lemuel Teal Middle, plus expansions and renovation projects such as a 200-seat pre‑K addition at G. Weaver Hipps and a $100 million overhaul of Riverdale High School. Armor views these investments as critical to serving growing communities fairly and proactively.
As the former Board Chair, Armor Persons has highlighted the strengths of the School District of Lee County versus private alternatives—particularly its—programmatic breadth and open accessibility. In April 2025, he detailed the district’s offerings:
Advanced academic tracks including AP, Cambridge AICE, IB, and Dual Enrollment with Florida SouthWestern State College—at no cost to families.
Extensive Career & Technical Education (CTE) across 17 career clusters, equipping students with industry‑recognized certifications, from IT to health sciences.
The one of nation’s largest JROTC program (over 7,000 cadets in 15 high schools), cultivating leadership, discipline, and scholarship for future careers or military service.
Intensive early intervention in reading and math, support for neurodiverse learners, and enrichment programs to help students graduate on schedule.
Through these initiatives, Armor consistently promotes the message: public education in Lee County is both equitable and high-quality—and open to every student, regardless of background.
Armor has never shied away from sensitive or controversial civic topics. In November 2024, he authored a public board message explaining the district’s alignment with Florida’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act (SB 1028), under which students must participate and use facilities according to their biological sex assigned at birth. He framed it as following state law while ensuring fair opportunity for female athletes to compete and earn recognition in a structured environment. He emphasized the policy with care and respect, giving weight both to legal compliance and to the perspectives of students and parents.
Armor’s deep family legacy in public schools, his role as a grandparent of current students, and his 30+ years of coaching and mentorship via tennis reflect the lived values he brings to his board service. His nickname “Coach” underscores how central youth engagement and personal guidance are to his identity.
His small-business background in running Courtmaster gives him a unique perspective on community needs—especially in relation to infrastructure, internships, employment pathways, and technical careers. Firmly embedded in the East Lee County business and educational landscape, he serves as a practical liaison between local families, schools, and economic development.
In Short, Armor Persons has brought to the Lee County School Board:
Local heritage: As a life‑long resident and multi‑generation school family, he brings an authentic connection to the district’s heritage.
Safety initiatives: He championed the Guardian Program, helping secure unanimous board approval.
Fiscal transparency: He supported external audits and open budgeting to restore public confidence.
Infrastructure planning: He backed massive capital investments to respond fairly to East Zone growth.
Academic and career access: He enhanced visibility for public academic excellence and workforce preparation, from AP to CTE and JROTC.
Policy clarity: He addressed difficult issues—like transgender participation in sports—with thoughtfulness and legal grounding.
Community engagement: Through his small business, coaching, and local involvement, Armor fosters trust and visibility across diverse communities.
As his term continues through 2026, Armor Persons remains focused on building upon recent gains. His priorities include:
Ensuring ongoing equity in school funding and planning, especially for growing but underserved areas.
Continuing support for the Guardian Program, while refining training, oversight, and communication with families.
Expanding academic and professional pathways, particularly in CTE partnerships that link schools with local employers—including potentially through his own tennis business or allied sports industries.
Fostering a collaborative board culture that listens to parents, respects diverse viewpoints, and anchors decisions in student-first. Armor Persons’ journey—from a sixth-generation student in the same schools, to coaching young athletes, running a community business, and ultimately serving on the school board—embodies a rare fusion of local legacy, hands‑on mentorship, and public leadership. He has helped shepherd policy changes—from school safety to student equity—and backed bold infrastructure plans to meet the needs of rapidly growing communities.
For Lee County families in District 5 and beyond, Armor represents the kind of public servant who understands local schools from the classroom to the boardroom. Through his deep roots, conservative policy priorities, active community presence, and sustained dedication to youth, Coach Armor Persons continues to mentor not only through tennis, but through strategic, responsive governance—always putting the well‑being and success of students first.
For Lee County families in District 5 and beyond, Armor represents the kind of public servant who understands local schools from the classroom to the boardroom. Through his deep roots, conservative policy priorities, active community presence, and sustained dedication to youth, Coach Armor Persons continues to mentor not only through tennis, but through strategic, responsive governance—always putting the well‑being and success of students first.
Lee County parents are pleased to have a humble servant on the front line in Armor Persons.
