School District of Lee County assesses damages after Hurricane Ian

The School District of Lee County is assessing the damage to its school buildings after Hurricane Ian.

The district said preliminary damage assessment finds that 54% of schools are in low need of repair, but 14% have major damage, and a few may be beyond repair.

Certified building inspectors are visiting campuses for a professional opinion.

The photos are our first look at Fort Myers Beach Elementary, The Sanibel School, and Pine Island Elementary.

The School District of Lee County said they would open schools as soon as possible.

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools is offering the public ways to help support teachers and the district as they figure out what to do next.

If you are able to make a monetary donation, you can do so by clicking here. You can also buy a shirt by clicking here. All of the money raised will be used to help teachers, students and families, including to purchase hygiene and clothing items needed by the Take Stock in Children and STAMP students and families.

The foundation is also looking for donations of items that families and teachers need. You can find a list of items they need below.

• Clothing, underwear & shoes
• Hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, soap, hairbrushes, hair ties, etc.)
• Blankets, pillows & towels
• Diapers and baby wipes
• Gift cards (grocery/clothing/gas)
• First Aid Supplies

For more information on how you can help, you can call the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools at 239-337-0433 or email them at Marshall@leeschoolfoundation.org.