Billy Henderson Stadium is pictured during Clarke Central High School’s varsity flag football team’s games against South Gwinnett High School and Heritage High School on Oct. 18, 2022. The physical education department at CCHS received funding on March 22 from the Georgia Department of Education for physical education equipment. “The department is awarding a little more than $1.8 million in five different categories to schools across the state, including $12,530 to schools in (Athens-Clarke) County,” a March 22 Clarke County School District press release stated. “(CCHS) will also be receiving multiple exercise bikes for use in its physical education classes.” Photo by Lucas Donnelly
CCHS has received just less than $2,000 from the Georgia Department of Education to help fund equipment purchases in physical education classes at CCHS.
After receiving nearly $2,000 in funding from the Georgia Department of Education, Clarke Central High School’s physical education classes will be able to purchase new equipment for the coming school year.
The GaDOE has allocated over $1.8 million dollars in Opportunity Grants to schools across the state, with four Clarke County School District schools beneficiaries of $12,530. Of that, CCHS got $1,740 to use on new equipment for physical education classes.
“The Opportunity Grants have awarded schools with valuable funds to acquire equipment that will significantly support specific programs and activities,” Dan Smith, CCSD’s Fine Arts, Health and Physical Education Curriculum Coordinator, said in a March 22 CCSD press release.
According to the press release, CCHS will use the money on exercise bikes that will be placed in the Billy Henderson Strength and Conditioning Center.
“We can put (the grant) to direct use as to something we’ve been needing, whether it be exercise bikes or other various equipment you can use for other classes,” CCHS physical education department teacher and head track and field coach Justin Jones said. “I think the bike will be a good alternative to running and things like that.”
“Georgia is committed to expanding opportunities for students and providing an enriching educational experience in the core content areas and beyond.”
— Dr. Richard Woods,
State School Superintendent
Apart from CCHS, Howard B. Stroud Elementary School received $2,940 from the GaDOE to help revitalize their volleyball program, while Whit Davis Elementary School and Fowler Drive Elementary School received the rest of the money for use in their fine arts classes.
This round of funding represents the second time the CCSD has benefitted from the state’s Opportunity Grants, as CCSD schools received almost $9,000 during the first round of grants last year.
“Georgia is committed to expanding opportunities for students and providing an enriching educational experience in the core content areas and beyond,” State School Superintendent Dr. Richard Woods said in the press release. “These grants ensure that students across the state have access to educational opportunities that prepare them for life and keep them engaged in school.”
