Friendswood recognizes inaugural Friendswood Academy class; program cost $3,000, spent about $1,500

The Friendswood City Council on May 5 received the Friendswood Academy report and recognized members of the program’s inaugural 2025 class.

Parks and recreation specialist Sierra “Cece” Sutton described the eight‑week program that introduced residents to city operations. She said the course accepted 12 applicants (11 were eligible to graduate and 10 attended the recognition event) and included sessions with the police department, library, municipal court, utilities, public works, engineering and other departments. Sutton said the program schedule included tours of facilities and weekly two‑hour evening classes.

Sutton told council the program was funded with a $3,000 decision‑package allocation; approximately $1,500 was spent on weekly meals, participant gifts and incidental supplies. She said the program solicited feedback by survey and reported positive responses; she recommended a manageable class size of about 15 participants in future offerings and said applications will follow the same November–December timeline used this year. Sutton also acknowledged a $100 sponsorship from Amoco Bank for one meal.

Council members congratulated graduates and discussed future frequency and class size. The council received the report; no formal action or appropriation was required beyond the budgeted funds already described.