Excel Academy leaders advocate for funding stability amid enrollment challenges

Excel Academy Public Charter School is facing significant challenges as it seeks to maintain its legacy of educational excellence amid budget cuts and declining enrollment. During the recent Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) Board of Education meeting, Lisa Butler McDougall, the school's operator, passionately advocated for the institution, highlighting its unique International Baccalaureate (IB) framework and the success stories of its alumni.

McDougall shared inspiring tales of former students who have gone on to achieve remarkable success, including an Emmy-winning documentary team member and a future physician's assistant. However, she expressed deep concern over the school's current financial situation, exacerbated by low enrollment numbers attributed to external factors like forced relocation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Excel Academy has been budgeted for 463 students, significantly below the 600 needed for financial viability, prompting a request to reduce administrative fees and secure a budget that reflects its true capacity.

Dr. Stephanie Watson, a parent and advocate for educational equity, echoed McDougall's sentiments, drawing parallels between the struggles of charter schools and historical injustices faced by Black communities. She emphasized that schools like Excel are vital for providing quality education in underserved areas and warned against the dangers of defunding successful institutions.

The meeting also featured testimonies from parents and educators who underscored the positive impact of Excel Academy on students' lives. One parent described how her child, once shy and struggling, has blossomed in the supportive environment of the school. Another principal, David Brown, raised concerns about the broader implications of budget cuts on public schools, stressing that all educational institutions are interconnected and deserve equitable funding.

As the board deliberates on budget allocations, the future of Excel Academy hangs in the balance, with advocates urging decision-makers to recognize the school's contributions to the community and the potential consequences of funding cuts. The outcome of these discussions will not only affect Excel Academy but could also set a precedent for how educational equity is approached across Prince George's County.