Friday morning, Governor Rick Scott announced $3.5 million in state funding for high achieving schools in the Lee County School District.
VARSITY LAKES MIDDLE SCHOOL received $97,392 and VETERANS PARK ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS received $140,900 funding coming from Florida Lottery money, the schools will decide how to spend it, but much of it will go toward staff bonuses.
“It all pushes out to the schools. It benefits the morale of the people that get the extra money,” said superintendent, Dr. Nancy Graham.
The money is awarded based on improved student performance on FCAT exams. Schools that raised their overall school grade or maintained an ‘A’ are eligible.
School leaders credit hard work of teachers and students.