Southwest Elementary lands preliminary funding for Global Academy
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Members of the Lexington City Schools Board of Education approved preliminary funding for a Global Academy at Southwest Elementary School (SWE) Tuesday evening, May 4. The unanimous decision paves the way for teachers and administrators to begin crafting a curriculum focused on greater cultural awareness.
Assistant superintendent Emy Garrett asked the board for $49,000 in a startup budget, which outlined costs for materials, media center resources and curriculum implementation. The proposed budget also carves out $15,000 for pieces like murals, signage, clocks and other related items that SWE deems fit for the program.
Before the vote, chairman Darrick Horton (Ward 1) asked from where was the school board going to produce $49,000.
Garrett said there is money available from Title I funding, as well as other potential sources across the school system. She added that some of the items within the startup budget, like re-branding a school sign, can be reprioritized.
Garrett further stated there’s a lot of shared excitement around the Global Academy since the idea was first floated by the school board last month.
In April, SWE Principal Monique Curry and several teachers presented the idea of creating a Global Academy at the school. In their presentation, educators highlighted the benefits of having a program that encourages global immersion and larger cultural engagement.
“This is an opportunity for Southwest to shine,” Curry said in April.
“After they presented to you guys last month, I went the next day to Southwest and they were just buzzing,” Garrett remarked. “They were so excited that you guys were so excited about it. I think there’s a lot of buy-in and a lot of energy there. I think this is a great way for Southwest to come together as a whole school because they all feel like they’re a part of this. It’s not just one little program, it’s the whole school that’s doing this.”
Other business during the meeting included:
The board approved budget adjustments to be reviewed by the Davidson County Commissioners.
The board received an update on events for seniors at Lexington Senior High School (LSHS).
There will be a graduation parade on Thursday, May 27 on Hemstead St. at 7 p.m.
LSHS athletic director Ronnie Beverly presented athletic gear and facility maintenance costs totaling $1.7 million.
The board approved sending out a parent survey before the end of the school year.
