Lee County board approves $162.2 million phase‑2 estimate for new East‑zone high school after contentious debate

The Lee County School Board approved a phase‑2 cost estimate of $162,225,000 for the new Bridal N (NNN) high school at Joel & Tuckahoe on Oct. 7, authorizing the superintendent to execute necessary project documents after a 6‑1 roll‑call vote.

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ken Savage told the board the recommendation was to approve the phase‑2 total project cost estimate and noted the approval would allow the superintendent to proceed with required documents. "This recommendation is for the approval of the phase 2 total project cost estimate in the amount of $162,225,000 for the Bridal N High School new construction, Joel And Tuckahoe," Savage said.

Why it matters: the East Zone has acute seat shortages and portable classrooms in use; the approved funding step moves the district toward building a permanent facility intended to relieve capacity pressures. Board approval also commits the district to continued permitting and preconstruction activities that will determine the project's schedule and final cost.

During discussion, several board members and public speakers pressed staff on outstanding permitting and infrastructure questions. Board member Jordan said she remained concerned about safety and environmental permitting, noting ongoing wildlife reviews: "They're checking the panthers to see where their dens are," she said, and said those analyses had not been completed before the vote. Other board members and staff said traffic mitigation and utility work are part of the project plan and that civil engineers and county partners have identified turn lanes and water/sewer work for the site.

Opponents and many public commenters urged the board to consider alternative East‑zone sites, such as Joel & David in Lehigh Acres, arguing the alternative would use existing infrastructure, shorten bus routes and better serve current student population centers. Supporters said delaying the project would worsen overcrowding and likely increase costs: board members noted preconstruction investments already made and the urgency to provide classrooms for students currently in portables.

The motion to approve the cost estimate was made by Board Member Persons and seconded by Board Member Chaviano. The roll call recorded six ayes and one nay; Member Jordan cast the lone no vote. The board recorded the motion as approved and authorized the superintendent to execute the required documents to proceed with permitting and preconstruction.

Next steps: staff said they would provide outstanding permitting updates and make civil‑engineering representatives available to answer follow‑up questions. The approval is a financial and procedural authorization; additional permitting, design and construction approvals remain subject to routine project controls, external agency reviews, and potential cost adjustments.

Clarifying detail: the board approved a phase‑2 total project cost estimate of $162,225,000; project schedule milestones and final contract awards were not finalized in the meeting and were listed as dependent on permitting and procurement.