The Sanibel School students and staff are back on campus, experiencing the benefits of a shorter commute and a familiar environment after Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage to the school in September. The district initially thought the school would need to be completely rebuilt, but engineers found it to be structurally sound and only required repairs.
Despite the renovations, students and teachers are still noticing the aftermath of the storm, with half of the elementary students moved to the less damaged upper building, and the lower building being powered by generators. Additionally, there is still no carpet or ceiling tiles in the school, but contractors are working to complete the necessary repairs by August.
The Sanibel School has a rich history, dating back to 1890, with its current buildings built in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 1963, it became the first integrated school in Lee County. Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Ian, the school continues to provide quality education and foster a sense of community for its students.