Lee County schools to merge two special needs centers into one flagship campus

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)—The School District of Lee County is moving forward with plans to consolidate Buckingham Exceptional Student Center and Royal Palm Exceptional Center after lifting a temporary pause on the project.

The district informed parents that it will establish a state-of-the-art flagship Exceptional Student Education center on the Royal Palm Exceptional Center campus.

The pause, which began in April, came after Buckingham parents and staff raised concerns about the relocation and whether the Royal Palm campus could meet the specialized needs of Buckingham students.

At the time, parents told WINK News they valued the care and sense of community at Buckingham.

"Buckingham is a family away from home. A sense of normalcy," Felishia Wilson said.

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The district says that feedback helped shape its updated consolidation plan.

"When we paused this process in April, we did so to listen, reassess, and ensure we were creating an environment that puts the safety, dignity, and specialized care of our students first," said Chuck Vilardi, Regional Associate Superintendent. "We heard from our families what they want, incorporated those ideas into our plan, and look forward to continued collaboration to build a model ESE facility that truly serves the unique needs of every child."

The updated plan combines specialized programming from both campuses into a modernized facility. Key features include specialized physical modifications, integrated behavioral and educational support, and a focus on real-world independence.

The district is also launching a structured transition process to keep families informed throughout the consolidation. Parents and guardians will be invited to participate in a series of meetings and committees, with monthly updates provided to stakeholders.

The updated campus is expected to open to students in August 2027.