Energy savings, global immersion discussed at LCS board meeting
Lexington City Schools Central Office {Davidson Local/James Kiefer}
Members of the Lexington City Schools Board of Education learned the school system might have some extra money in its pockets on Tuesday night, and they heard a presentation on the importance of a global-based curriculum.
Graham Lewis, an account executive with Schneider Electric, provided an update on the installation of HVAC and LED lighting improvements within LCS. The process was announced in a press release in November 2020 after the school system was tasked with “deferred maintenance challenges,” resulting in heating and cooling equipment to fail across the district.
The electric company stated in the press release it estimated the LCS should save approximately $5 million in energy costs over the next two decades.
Lewis reported that the installation process was around “99.9% done” with its installation of LED lights, and there’s about five months left in the construction period. He added the quick pace of installation would cut roughly $57,000 in electric bills during the remainder of construction.
Also on the chopping block was a presentation about forming a Global Academy at Southwest Elementary School. Principal Monique Curry, along with several teachers, discussed the benefits of children learning greater cultural awareness and shared some success stories implementing similar criteria in the classroom.
When talking about expanding a potential program to other schools, board chairman Darrick Horton (Ward 1) asked if Southwest Elementary was the proper roadmap for a citywide curriculum. He cited the school’s demographics not being reflective of classrooms around the school system.
Curry acknowledged that, but the administrator also said it's a good chance for Southwest Elementary to pilot a program of its own.
“This is an opportunity for Southwest to shine,” she said, even bringing up a quote from vice chair John Burke about the importance of adapting to a changing world. “Sometimes, you just got to change for change, because that’s the way the world goes.”
Curry said she would present a budget for the Global Academy at the next board meeting.
Other business included:
The board approved adding five full-time custodial employees, allowing two custodians per school.
Setting a date for a future Group WorkCamp in July 2022.
