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A half dozen additional schools will receive walkway covers leading from portable classrooms to the main buildings.

The Lee County School Board renewed a contract to continue installations, at a cost of $500,000, last Tuesday.

Construction Director Scott Reichenbacher said remaining schools include Harns Marsh Middle School, Gateway Elementary School, North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts, Tice Elementary School, Treeline Elementary School, Villas Elementary School and the Pace Center.

He said the district has been installing the walkway covers since the half cent sales tax was approved by Lee County voters in 2018.

Reichenbacher said according to state statute, if portables are in place for more than four years they are a permanent structure and must have protection from the portable to the school. When the budget crashed in 2008 due to the real estate collapse, it left the district with no money to install the walkway covers. They instead put a cover over the door and stair ramp until funds became available again.

Some of the material used for walkway covers — ramps, handrails and stairs — are retained, so they can be used for future projects. Reichenbacher said they reassemble the walkway covers and stretch new canvas over the top.

In the last 10 years, 20 schools have received a walkway cover.

Two board members shared concern over schools not having the covers with Board member Melisa Giovannelli saying she has a great deal of concern over the lack at Varsity Lakes Middle School.

“Varsity Lakes should be on the list. It becomes a safety issue. We have to maintain our investment with some of these portables,” Giovannelli said.

Reichenbacher said although pictures were taken and he saw the coverage in place, he will go out to the campus personally and check to make sure board members are confident in the discussion.

Board member Gwyn Gittens said the list does not have the schools that are the most in need.

“Before we approve this amount we should revise this list and make sure it is accurate and up-to-date,” Gittens said.