Students at Escambia Academy will have a more comfortable experience at school thanks to work currently underway on the Canoe campus.

Headmaster Betty Warren said improvements have been needed in some areas of the school for some time, however funding hasn’t been available — until now.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians made a $311,500 contribution to the school in December 2010 giving the school funds to make needed changes, upgrades and improvements.

“Some of the improvements needed at the elementary school have been needed for so long,” Warren said. “I commend the faculty, staff and students who have been so patient.”

Some work being planned on the elementary wing includes upgrading the heating and cooling system and replacing old windows with updated, more efficient windows.

“The work will begin soon on the heating and cooling system and we hope to see that work completed before the end of the school year,” Warren said. “Replacing windows with new double-pane windows will be a summer project and won’t interrupt classes.”

Warren said the list of improvements for middle and high school classrooms include exhaust fans for the middle school with computer lab upgrades planned at the high school. Electrical needs will also be addressed to make sure the facility is safe and up to code for inspections.

“We will also be able to use some of the funds to help make dual enrollment classes possible,” Warren said.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians donated more than $1.6 million to five area public and two private schools in Escambia County in the December presentation. The funding was made possible through the Tribe’s education endowment and was presented to administrators to help meet needs in resources at each school. Needs mentioned include items such as educational materials and supplies and facility improvements.

At the time of the presentation Tribal Chairman Buford Rolin said the donations were made in the spirit of being “good stewards” in the community.

“Part of being a good neighbor is helping out others in need,” Rolin said at the presentation. “Education is the bedrock of productive, successful lives for these youngsters. We are happy and proud to be able to make this contribution to the future.”

In total, the Tribe donated $1,626,407. Donations are as follows: Escambia County High School and Escambia County Middle School received a combined total of $687,360, the largest donation made by the Tribe. Huxford Elementary School was presented with $337,000; A.C. Moore Elementary School with $112,547 and Rachel Patterson Elementary School received $78,000. Escambia Academy was given $311,500 and Atmore Christian School received $100,000.