Reporter’s Note
Do you think Hamilton County Schools should receive more funding from the Hamilton County Commission next year? Do you plan on attending a public meeting to talk with your board member or county commissioner? The Times Free Press also wants to hear from you! Email mmangrum@timesfreepress.com with your thoughts.
– Meghan
THIS WEEK IN EDUCATION NEWS
This year was a big year for Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy.
Founded in 2009 as the first all-girl charter school in the state of Tennessee and the first public charter school in Chattanooga, the school is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
The school was founded by local philanthropist Sue Anne Wells and former Girls Inc. Director Maxine Bailey, and Elaine Swafford has served as executive director since 2012.
From the brink of closure to being nationally recognized for its success, the school has made an impact on its students and the community.
Last week, CGLA, its partner school, Chattanooga Preparatory School, and the entire Highland Park community got to celebrate another huge announcement.
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s Health Foundation announced a nearly $5 million investment in sports and fitness facilities near the school.
The project is part of BlueCross’s Healthy Living initiatives – and the students seemed excited at a rally where school leaders and community members made the announcement Friday.
CGLA has transformed in the past decade and now enrolls more than 300 of Hamilton County’s top-performing students.
Keep reading for these stories and more!