For Immediate Release

Contact: Tanya Arja
Office of Communications
813-272-4060

Tampa, Fla. – (September 13, 2017) – After the devastating fire that engulfed Lee Elementary Magnet School on Tuesday, September 12, Hillsborough County Public Schools has developed a plan for students and staff moving forward. 

Beginning on Monday, September 18, Lee Elementary students and staff will share the campus of Lockhart Elementary Magnet School. Lockhart is located just 1.4 miles away from Lee Elementary, at 3719 North 17th Street, Tampa.

Lockhart Elementary is a magnet school and has space for nearly 300 more students. Lockhart Elementary is also located next to Young Middle Magnet School. For the first two to three weeks, the older students from Lee Elementary will temporarily learn in classrooms on Young’s campus, while the district installs portable classrooms at Lockhart within a few weeks.

Lee Elementary and the district have received an outpouring of support from other schools and the community. We will have information released shortly on ways people can donate school supplies or help with other donations.

The district is also coordinating with other schools, asking school staffs from across the district, to roll up their sleeves and help set up the new classroom space at Lockhart Elementary this Friday, September 15.

In addition, Superintendent Jeff Eakins has authorized an emergency supplement for every staff member at Lee Elementary School. All full time employees at Lee Elementary will receive a $1,000 emergency supplement in their bank accounts, this Friday, September 15. Superintendent Eakins is aware that staff members lost personal items and items they cherished in their classrooms and offices during the tragic fire. The supplement will allow teachers and staff to replenish the items used to create a caring learning environment for all students.

For any students, staff (both current and former) and community members who may need to speak to counselors during this challenging time, school district grief counselors will be available beginning Thursday morning at Lockhart Elementary Magnet School.

For more information, please contact Tanya Arja via email or on her cell phone.

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