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Lee County School District receives new tax money

Posted at 11:10 AM, Apr 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-11 11:12:44-04

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. -- Lee County school officials gave updates on school projects and talked about residents can track revenue and spending at a press conference at Lehigh Senior High on Thursday.

Superintendent Dr. Greg Adkins says the county has receive their first distribution of the half-cent school tax that went into effect on January 1st. He says the $6.3 million will be used on several projects, including a new addition to Lehigh Senior High. It will also be used to help budget for future school construction.

Members of the community can track the school district's revenue and spending at www.leeschools.net.

"This is an exciting time for our school district, as we move forward with projects that will help us ensure student success, which is truly our passion," said Dr. Adkins.

The money will also go towards school safety and security. "Whether it’s through cameras, single point of entry, or SRO’s, we are really trying hard to make sure our kids feel that when they walk onto their campus they feel safe,” said school board member Gwyn Gittens.

Plus, technology, and fixing up old buildings. That includes replacing old air conditioning units and putting windows in every classroom.

“When kids come to school and they have windows to see out, they got helpful teachers and security they are able to learn,” said Gittens.

The district is expected to receive almost $40 million by the end of June, and will get monthly payments for the next ten years.

Press conference: Lee Schools give update on projects