Lexington City Schools ask Davidson County for $36 million local match to unlock nearly $62 million in state funds
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Summary
Lexington City Schools leaders told commissioners their district achieved record academic growth and asked for county support toward a needs-based grant that officials say would multiply local funds and unlock state dollars for renovations and workforce development.
Lexington City Schools leaders asked the Davidson County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 8 to support a local match that officials say would unlock state funding for school renovations and workforce programs.
Dr. Nakia Hardy, who introduced school leaders and said she planned regular updates to county officials, said Lexington City Schools posted record academic growth this year. “Lexington Senior High School's graduation rate climbed to 87.6%, the best in more than a decade,” Dr. Hardy said, adding the district earned substantial gains in proficiency and “almost 1,200 industry recognized credentials” that prepare students for healthcare, technology and skilled trades.
Dr. Hardy said the district is requesting county support through a needs-based grant and framed the ask as an opportunity to leverage local dollars. Jermaine Porter, principal of Lexington Senior High School, told commissioners that a $36 million county commitment would unlock about $62 million in state funds — “nearly $100,000,000 total,” he said — and argued that local investment would multiply roughly threefold.
Lexington Middle School principal Joe Stone said renovations at the middle school are complete and credited county investment with improvements in student performance. “When facilities are strengthened, students rise,” Stone said, and announced an open house to show completed renovations.
Why it matters: School leaders framed the funding request as both a matter of safety and fiscal stewardship that supports workforce development and community competitiveness. They urged commissioners to act promptly, saying state funds are tied to a local match and could be awarded to other counties if Davidson County does not provide the required commitment.
Meeting context and next steps: Commissioners heard the presentations during the public-comment portion of the meeting and did not take an immediate vote on the funding request. Dr. Hardy said the district will continue outreach to commissioners and that she plans regular updates to county officials. No formal motion or commitment by the board was recorded on Sept. 8.
Ending: School leaders thanked commissioners for past investments and urged consideration of the current request to enable long-term facility improvements and workforce-aligned programs.
