Lee Elementary students will go to new school Monday
TAMPA (FOX 13) - Hillsborough County Public Schools says it has developed a plan for students and staff of Lee Elementary Magnet School after a fire destroyed the building Tuesday.
Lee Elementary students and staff will now share the campus of Lockhart Elementary Magnet School and Young Middle Magnet School beginning September 18.
Lockhart is located at 3719 North 17th Street, which is less than two miles from Lee Elementary. Young Middle is right next door.
The school system says upperclassmen from Lee Elementary will temporarily learn in classrooms on Young's campus while the district installs portable classrooms at Lockhart within a few weeks.
Officials say Lockhart currently has the capacity for an additional 300 students.
LINK: Tampa Fire Rescue: Lee Elementary fire does not seem suspicious
The school system says Lee Elementary and the district have received an outpouring of support from other schools and the community and will soon release information about ways people can donate school supplies or help with other donations.
Meanwhile, the school system says Superintendent Jeff Eakins has authorized an emergency supplement for staff members at Lee Elementary School, including a $1,000 emergency supplement for full-time employees.
"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," the school system said in a press release.
School district grief counselors will be available for students and staff beginning Thursday morning at Lockhart Elementary Magnet School.