APRIL 23, 2025 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC, Director of Public Relations

352.671.7734 w ◊ 352.840.3265 c

[email protected]

TWO NEWEST MARION COUNTY

SCHOOLS NAMED

MARION COUNTY - With two unanimous votes Tuesday evening, Marion County School Board members formally approved official names for the two newest schools in Marion County Public Schools.

Ross Prairie Elementary, located in Marion Oaks in Southwest Marion County, honors the nearby state forest and trailhead by the same name. Principal LeAnn McEarchern will now collaborate with her school community to select a mascot, official colors, and establish other day-to-day functions for the school.

 Just a few miles north, within Southwest Ocala city limits, Winding Oaks Elementary is situated on property formerly known as Winding Oaks Farm, acclaimed for its thoroughbred training history. Principal Traci Crawford will also work with her school community to determine the mascot, school colors, and other operational details.

 Several rounds of submissions from both school communities helped shape the final names presented for School Board approval.

Ross Prairie and Winding Oaks Elementary Schools are both slated to open to students this August.

Inaugural business partners were also announced for each school – Straight Line Construction at Ross Prairie Elementary and Ausley Construction at Winding Oaks Elementary, which it is building.

For more information, contact the Public Relations Office at 352.671.7734.  

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