Heights Elementary in Harlem Heights recently moved into their new building. The entrance to the school is being completed as part of the project.
Students at Heights Elementary think their new school building can be compared to a five-star hotel. And the school’s staff and faculty agree.
The elementary, which is located in Harlem Heights in south Fort Myers, was recently torn down and rebuilt to accommodate the area’s growth and needs.
“The old building had a lot of issues and we wanted to get a bigger facility there,” said Reggie Snell, the director of construction who oversaw the project.
Snell had to justify the new building to the state who inspected the old building and approved the construction of the new one.
“The school that is there now will hold up to 1,300 kids,” said Snell, noting that it was built large to avoid having to build another elementary school in the south zone. “It will help the community down there. “
Diane Salko, the school’s principal, is elated with the new two-story building because it’s not only larger but everything inside is new.
“They think they are in a five star hotel because it’s so beautiful,” said Salko noting that only supplies were moved in to the new building. “We have additional space for computers and enrichment areas.”
The Lee County school district decided to build a new school in front of the old one because it was built in 1964. A time when the open air concept was in style.
Construction of the new building began in July of 2007 and the 190,000 square foot building was completed earlier this month.
“We were able to be more involved with the interior design because they were building it on our campus,” said Salko adding that the construction didn’t interfere with the student’s learning. “Everything is bigger and shinier.”
New interactive projectors were installed in every classroom, the cafetorium and kitchen area were expanded and the art and music room’s have more space than ever.
“Everybody loves the facility and the kids treat it with respect and kindness,” Salko said about the school that houses grades pre-K through fifth.
“It was time for an update and we were extremely excited to move in,” she said.
The final cost of the school won’t be determined until construction is completed but the district set aside $30 million for the project.
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