FASTfacts - August 26, 2025 (Vol. 21, Issue 04)

$15.6 Million Approved for Students with Disabilities

Each year, School Board members agree to receive specific grant funding from the federal government earmarked for students with special needs. This year, the total of two grants for these special services surpasses $15.6 million.

Both grants are part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B, for preschool and K-12 entitlement.

These dollars help provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all children with disabilities between three and 21 years of age. Alternative education settings are part of this funding.

IDEA grant dollars supplement the educational programs offered by MCPS by providing professional technical services, special needs paraprofessionals, and administrative and support staff to meet the needs of students with disabilities. 

This year, preschool grant dollars total $463,326 while K-12 funding lands at $15,152,160.

Larger Water Line Now in Place at Ross Prairie Elementary

In a partnership move between two government entities, Marion County Public Schools and Marion County government are splitting the cost of a new water line serving Ross Prairie Elementary School. 

The new line is a 12-inch line, 50% larger than the eight-inch line initially proposed. This upsizing serves both the school itself and the surrounding area with increased water flow and pressure.

Marion County partnered on the cost of the project and is expected to reimburse the district half the overall cost, likely within the next 60 days. That reimbursement should be $43,434.

The larger water main is part of Marion Utilities, owned and operated by Marion County government. 

Latest Purchasing Includes Books, Fencing, and Landscaping Equipment

Each School Board meeting agenda typically includes proposed purchases for both large- and small-ticket items. Tonight is no exception.

Within the consent agenda and without discussion, School Board members unanimously approved the following purchases for this school year: 

• $766,514 Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for Dunnellon High Well House 
• $500,000 Audio and video equipment for district-wide use
• $500,000 New and used books and educational materials
• $200,000 International Baccalaureate (IB) program fees 
• $200,000 Fencing supplies and installation services
• $120,000 Turf management services (for athletic fields)
• $75,000 Landscape and grounds maintenance equipment
• $37,000 Towing services
• $35,000 Diplomas and covers
• $20,000 Hazardous waste services
• $10,000 Pool services for Maplewood and Hillcrest Schools

School Board members recognized organizations and businesses tonight that contributed and participated in this year's Community Giveback event. Because of their efforts, over 6,000 backpacks stuffed with free school supplies landed in the hands of MCPS students during the annual outreach.