In 1995, the Hillsborough Education Foundation embarked on a capital campaign for the renovations of Nature's Classroom. Nature's Classroom is a vital part of our middle school Science program, of which all 6th grade students participate. The School Board formerly agreed that the School District would pay for infrastructure for each phase of the Nature's Classroom Capital Program to construct the Interpretive Center, Administrative Center and Environmental Studies Building (Phases I and II). Phases I and II have been completed with the assistance of additional funding from Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD).

Phase III has been started and will focus on relocating the existing animal habitats to higher ground due to the potential flooding of the existing area. The design of the new animal habitats will incorporate the needs of the animals and the existing natural environment, while maximizing teaching opportunities and student and animal safety. Hillsborough County Public Schools has provided funding for infrastructure for Phases I and II. Approval of this item will approve the expenditure of $210,000 for the infrastructure needed for Phase III.

The cost of this project is $473,956. Funding will be as follows: $263,956 will be supplied by the Hillsborough Education Foundation and $210,000 will be included in the District Capital Outlay: 2 Mill, as previously budgeted.