Fort Myers Beach Elementary discussion for Tuesday's meeting pulled from agenda

Nikki Ross, Fort Myers News-Press
·2 min read

Tuesday's planned vote by the Lee County School Board on an interlocal agreement with the Town of Fort Myers Beach for the future of Fort Myers Beach Elementary has been pulled from the agenda.

Superintendent Christopher Bernier announced the change in the agenda during the board's 1 p.m. board briefing meeting.

"After receiving revisions to the (interlocal agreement), there is a need for a more in-depth review and additional negotiations before bringing this forward," Bernier said. "Therefore, the item previously posted on tonight’s agenda will be pulled."

During the past six months, the School District of Lee County has been working with Fort Myers Beach community members, business leaders and town officials to make the best decision for the future of the beach school.

The agreement will include how the community and town will help the district increase enrollment numbers, which would help lower the operational cost per student.

Fort Myers Beach Elementary School remains closed two months after Hurricane Ian slammed the island. Some beach families are asking the Lee County School District about the future of the school and that it should be saved.
Fort Myers Beach Elementary School remains closed two months after Hurricane Ian slammed the island. Some beach families are asking the Lee County School District about the future of the school and that it should be saved.

More: Lee school board looks to a phased rebuild of Fort Myers Beach Elementary

More: Fort Myers Beach community to Lee school board: Save our school

The school, which has been closed since Hurricane Ian brought catastrophic storm surge to Estero Island in September, was damaged by wind and flood waters, according to the school district. The mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems were also damaged beyond repair, officials said. Everything other than the structural elements will need to be removed. The district has not provided a damage estimate.

Students are currently being taught in five classrooms at San Carlos Park Elementary.

The school board has been leaning toward a phased rebuild of the school, but no official decision has been made at this point.

"The district will continue to negotiate in good faith with the Town of Fort Myers Beach and bring forward an ILA to a future board meeting for consideration," Bernier said. "This will ensure not only that the school board has enough time to review the documents so that they can make an informed decision, but it also gives the public the opportunity to thoroughly review those items as well."

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Lee Schools postpones Tuesday's vote on Fort Myers Beach Elementary