The School District of Lee County informed parents today at Buckingham Exceptional Student Center and Royal Palm Exceptional Center that it is lifting the temporary pause on the consolidation of the two campuses. The School District is officially moving forward with plans to establish a state-of-the-art flagship Exceptional Student Education (ESE) center on the campus of Royal Palm Exceptional Center.
"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 Regional Associate Superintendent Chuck Vilardi. "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 consolidation plan brings together the specialized programming of both campuses into a modernized environment. Key features of the new center include:
- Specialized Physical Modifications
- Integrated Behavioral & Educational Support
- Focus on Real-World Independence
Recognizing the deep investment and past concerns of Buckingham and Royal Palm families, the School District is launching a structured, collaborative transition process to ensure transparency every step of the way. Parents and guardians are invited to engage in a series of meetings and committees, with monthly updates provided to these stakeholders.
The updated, state-of-the-art campus is expected to open to students in August 2027.