Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Principal Dr. Tracy Kohler on the first day of classes at Fort Myers Beach Elementary School in 2022. Photographer: Nathan Mayberg
Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Principal Tracy Kohler has announced her retirement, days after Fort Myers Beach Elementary School students were forced to start attending classes at San Carlos Park Elementary School due to flooding that entered the school. .
Kohler took over as teacher at Fort Myers Beach Elementary School two years ago, replacing Karen Manzi after she retired. A few months later, Hurricane Ian destroyed the school and shuttered the building, causing many of the students to move out of the district and the remaining students to attend classes at San Carlos Park Elementary School.
Last year, after local parents organized grassroots efforts to save the school, the district completed a $6 million renovation of the historic school, demolished other damaged structures on the site, and reopened it. Plans to rebuild other parts of the school depend on whether the school’s population grows.
Kohler, who has 29 years of experience as an educator, sent the following note to families at Fort Myers Beach Elementary School:
Hello everyone in the FMBE family.
Fort Myers Beach Elementary School K-12 literacy coach Shelley Skipper (left) and Fort Myers Beach Elementary Principal Tracy Kohler (right) at Fort Myers Beach Elementary School’s 2023 reopening ceremony. Cinematography: Nathan Mayberg
Today, I would like to let you know that I have informed the school district that I will be retiring on November 6, 2024. It has been the greatest gift and joy to serve the students and families of Fort Myers Beach. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your life.
thank you,
Dr. Kohler
In an additional statement provided by the school district to the Fort Myers Beach Observer and Beach Bulletin, Dr. Kohler said, “It is a pleasure and an honor to serve the students and families of the Lee County School District.”
“Lee County School District Superintendent Dr. Ken Savage said, “The school district is deeply grateful for Dr. Kohler’s contributions to the students of Lee County. Her leadership and innovation led to her appointment as principal of Fort Myers Beach Elementary School just four months before Hurricane Ian. We wish her all the best in her retirement.”
Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Principal Dr. Tracy Kohler (left) and Secretary Mary Bowman accept a check from Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Treasurer Bernard McGarvey for Lenny’s Closet at Fort Myers Beach Elementary School. file photo
In response to questions, Savage said the district is working to address flooding damage from Hurricane Milton.
“Our top priority is to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the students and staff at Fort Myers Beach Elementary School,” Savage said. “We are working as quickly as possible to stabilize the damage caused by Hurricane Milton and will update our school community with meaningful information as we learn more about the necessary repairs and repairs. We have experienced this and we look forward to working with you again through the process.”
Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Principal Dr. Tracy Kohler on the first day of classes at Fort Myers Beach Elementary School in 2022. Photographer: Nathan Mayberg
Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Principal Tracy Kohler ate lunch with her students at a picnic table outside the school when school reopened last year. Photo credit: Nathan Mayberg
