Cape Coral school opens new campus after Hurricane Ian destruction

Hector A. Cafferata, Jr. K-8 School in Cape Coral has opened its new 225,000-square-foot campus on Northwest 20th Avenue, marking a fresh start after Hurricane Ian destroyed its original building in 2022. The school now serves both elementary and middle school students. "It's been quite the ride," said Vanessa Lopez, a first-grade teacher. "You have to be, like, holding back tears and stuff every time we talk about it, but it's been really nice. The new school is just amazing. And, our staff, our principal, our leadership, we couldn't ask for anybody better. What they've done to have us here today is just—it has no words." Lopez began her teaching career at Hector A. Cafferata Jr. Elementary in 2022, the same year the school was destroyed. In the aftermath, the school operated out of outdoor portable classrooms and a portion of Cape Coral Technical College while plans for a new building were developed. "It's a little surreal, to be honest with you," said Dr. Jason Kurtz, the school's principal. "I'm just so proud of our families, our students, our staff. They really, I think, have demonstrated resilience and dedication to just really the idea that a school is all about the people and its walls and not the building." The Cafferata family attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and expressed their gratitude for the continued legacy of Hector A. Cafferata Jr. "On behalf of my family, my son and myself, it is a great honor for Hector and all of us who knew him, that he is recognized in this way," said Jessica Cafferata, Hector A. Cafferata Jr.'s granddaughter. "I only wish that he was here to tell you himself." The new campus separates the elementary and middle school students into different buildings. Currently, 910 students are enrolled for the new school year. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.