Board approves outdoor-recreation equipment for Bragg Street Academy using federal IPG funds

The Lee County Board of Education voted to approve purchase of outdoor‑recreation equipment for Bragg Street Academy, a decision tied to a three‑year federal/state competitive Innovative Partnership Grant the district received in 2023.

Superintendent Dr. Dawson Bach told the board the grant totals $867,000 over three years and is intended to expand opportunities for Bragg students and to support staff retention. He described the school as serving a high‑need population (board materials noted Bragg is approximately 80% economically disadvantaged) and said the grant has coincided with improved outcomes: he said Bragg’s graduation rate rose from about 35.7% in 2021–22 to about 58.5% most recently.

Board discussion emphasized the equipment’s role in physical education, tiered interventions and behavior supports. The school’s proposal describes equipment as a way to provide students controlled opportunities for movement and de‑escalation, and to expand outdoor learning opportunities that can reduce stress and support attention and self‑regulation.

A board member moved approval and the motion passed by voice vote. The purchase is drawn from grant funds and will be administered through the Bragg Street Academy IPG implementation plan.

Ending

Board members who spoke in favor urged district committees (discipline and curriculum) to consider broader practices that increase outdoor learning and physical activity across schools; the board did not commit additional recurring district funding for similar purchases beyond the grant.