Owen‑Ames‑Kimball (O‑A‑K) joined students, staff, and community leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of Bayshore Elementary School’s $36 million expansion, marking the beginning of its transformation into a full K–8 campus. The event honored both the school’s 56-year legacy and its bright future as generations of Bayshore families gathered to witness this historic milestone.
Originally opened in 1967, Bayshore Elementary has served thousands of Lee County families over the decades. The new three-story building includes a full-size gymnasium equipped with bleachers and basketball courts, science labs, music & band rooms, locker rooms, art room, and fourteen classrooms. It will accommodate 600 middle school students and complete the school’s conversion to a K–8 facility by fall 2026. The project is funded through the Half-Cent Sales Tax approved by voters in 2018.
“O‑A‑K is honored to partner with the School District of Lee County on a project that celebrates Bayshore’s rich history while building for future generations,” said Matthew Zwack of Owen‑Ames‑Kimball. “This school has been an anchor for the North Fort Myers community for more than half a century, and we’re proud to help create safe, inspiring spaces where students can thrive.”
The groundbreaking ceremony featured Superintendent Dr. Denise M. Carlin, District Five School Board Member Armor Persons, Principal Ben Ausman, and architect Clarisa Parovi of ADG Architecture, LLC, alongside proud students, parents, alumni, and community members.
“Expanding Bayshore to house sixth, seventh, and eighth graders has been one of the top priorities among my constituents,” said Armor Persons. “A lot of people are really glad this is happening.”
Dr. Carlin emphasized the district’s dedication to honoring tradition while embracing innovation. “The new Bayshore will reflect everything we love about this school while providing brighter, bigger, safer spaces where students can thrive,” she said.
The expansion is part of the district’s long-term plan to provide comprehensive K–8 education opportunities. In January 2024, the School Board of Lee County formally approved the transition. The school welcomed its first sixth graders in August 2024 and seventh graders in August 2025, with eighth graders joining in August 2026 once the expansion is complete.
“The students, families, and community of North Fort Myers share in our excitement for this next chapter of Bayshore School,” said Principal Ben Ausman. “We are especially thrilled to extend everything that makes Bayshore such a special place to sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. We are deeply grateful to the many community members who have worked to make our dream of a K–8 school a reality.”
As the Gateway High School Marching Band played and Bayshore students performed their school song, the celebration captured the spirit of what this project represents—community, connection, and a shared commitment to the future.
O‑A‑K’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with offices in Collier and Lee counties. Its Lee County office is located at 11941 Fairway Lakes Drive in Fort Myers. Learn more about O‑A‑K at www.owen‑ames‑kimball.com or call (239) 561-4141.