Estero and Lee County School District sign education partnership

The Estero Village Council and the Lee County School District Monday made official a partnership with the goal of improving education and facilities in Estero-area schools.

Estero village staff, village councilors, Lee County School Board members, Superintendent Greg Adkins and the principals of four Estero-area schools gathered at Estero High School on Monday to sign a memorandum of understanding between the village and the school district.

The memorandum establishes an education advocacy task force made up of Estero village staff, members of the Village Council, Lee County School district staff and principals of Estero High School, Pinewoods Elementary School, Three Oaks Elementary School and Three Oaks Middle School.

The task force will meet at least quarterly to identify and execute shared opportunities between the village and the four Estero-area schools, according to the village.

The memorandum aims to create mentorship and tutoring volunteer opportunities between students and village residents and promote student internships and job skill programs with local businesses.

The agreement also will bring the village and the school district together to coordinate on future education, recreation and infrastructure projects and encourage use of school facilities by Estero residents.

The partnership between the village and the school district will help expand opportunities for Estero-area students, said Estero Councilman Nick Batos, who serves as a liaison to the school district and helped spearhead the agreement.