Lexington-Richland School District Five has been awarded a $220,000 grant from the South Carolina Department of Education through the Instructional Leadership Accelerator Pilot Program, a new funding opportunity designed to strengthen leadership systems that directly influence teaching and learning.

The pilot program supports school districts in developing instructional leadership practices, strengthening leadership pipelines and creating more consistent, system-wide development for current and aspiring school leaders. School District Five is one of a select group of districts chosen to participate in the inaugural program.

"We are excited to be selected for this opportunity and grateful to the South Carolina Department of Education for investing in the future of instructional leadership in our district," Chief Academic Officer Tina McCaskill said in a news release. "Strong school leaders create strong schools. This grant will allow us to further develop and support our current and future leaders so they are equipped to positively impact teaching, learning and ultimately student success."

The district will implement the program through several phases during the pilot. The work will begin with an orientation for participants, followed by professional learning experiences and instructional walkthroughs.

Leaders will also participate in small-group coaching designed to strengthen instructional leadership practices through collaboration, reflection and feedback. The program will conclude with interview preparation, participant presentations and a showcase highlighting growth and outcomes of the pilot.

The South Carolina Department of Education created the Instructional Leadership Accelerator Pilot Program to help districts build sustainable leadership systems that enhance instructional excellence and improve outcomes for students across South Carolina.