Lee County School Board votes on Fort Myers Beach Elementary’s future

Reporter: Taylor Wirtz Writer: Paul Dolan
Published: Updated:
Fort Myers Beach Elementary. CREDIT: WINK News

Lee County will work with the town of Fort Myers Beach to bring Fort Myers Beach Elementary back after it was caught in the middle of Hurricane Ian’s onslaught.

The next step is for the town of Fort Myers Beach to vote on the agreement at its meeting next week. But, the parent’s WINK News spoke to seem confident that vote won’t be much of a hurdle.

“Your community needs an opportunity to have a school. Your community needs an opportunity to grow the school and make it work,” Lee County School Board member, Chris Patricca, said.

Tears of joy poured from the faces of parents and students alike while they left Tuesday’s meeting.

“I’m so happy and relieved, and I think…people don’t realize the things we’ve been going through…and having this school on the line has just added to the stress,” Fort Myers Beach Elementary parent Lynzie Mackey said.

The Lee County School Board voted in favor of a plan worked out between the town of Fort Myers Beach and the board, which would bring back Fort Myers Beach Elementary with some conditions.

“We’re gonna be asking for your help to really increase your numbers, so let’s get to work,” Lee County School Board member Melisa Giovannelli said.

The agreement approved by the school board requires the school to increase its current enrollment from about 52 students to 150 over the next four years.

Since the school board approved the program, it will get voted on by the Fort Myers Beach Town Council next Monday. The goal is to get students into the school as close to the start of the next school year as possible.

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