FASTfacts - September 9, 2025 (Vol. 21, Issue 05)

School Board Approves New Budget for $1.3 Billion

With unanimous School Board support, Marion County Public Schools now has a $1.3 billion budget for the current school year.

School Board members approved the balanced budget this evening as required by state statute.

This budget is the second largest in the district's 156-year history and includes the following revenues:

• Federal - $109,750,163
• State - $325,397,884
• Local - $403,624,165
• Other - $34,724,866

TOTAL - $873,497,078

These amounts, added to the Beginning Fund Balance of $438,325,649, total the $1,311,822,727 approved this evening.

This budget runs through June 30, 2026. 

Among the largest expenditures are:

• Salaries - $340,862,184 ($5 million more than last year)
• Benefits - $138,645,075 ($3 million more than last year) 
• Purchased Services - $129,994,933 ($7.3 million more than last year) 
• Energy Services - $15,284,800
• Materials & Supplies - $55,558,530 ($1.9 million more than last year) 
• Capital Outlay - $350,072,735
• Other - $119,363,422 ($13.9 million more than last year) 
• Transfers - $34,724,866

Community Donates over $18K to MCPS 

Donations of $1,000 or more to any MCPS entity must be formally approved by the School Board, though donors may remain anonymous if they so choose.

Tonight, School Board members graciously recognized five entities for donating cash and items worth more than $18,231, including:

• $1,001 in tangible school supplies to Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary School from The Marion County Veterans Council, Inc.
• $1,500 to support the robotics club/class at Belleview Middle School from VFW Belleview Memorial Post 8083
• $1,000 to North Marion High School's Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) program from the Marion County Children's Alliance
• $2,000 to support Dunnellon Elementary School students from the Women's Club of Dunnellon
• $12,730.36 in tangible technology items to the Safe Schools Department from the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

"South Marion" Chosen as New High School Name

With overwhelming community support, Marion County's newest high school, until now referred to as "CCC," will be called "South Marion High School" moving forward. 

Tonight, School Board members approved the name following discussion at a work session last week. 

South Marion High School Principal Ken McAteer is already gathering student input for school colors and mascot, but community members were the ones behind the South Marion naming effort. 

They helped lead two rounds of surveys this summer to narrow down the initial names. Those surveys were promoted via Skylert messaging to feeder schools, the district website, and at various School Board meetings. The results included 406 responses with "South Marion High School" garnering more than 35% of the vote. 

The naming committee included parents, staff, and community members. 

South Marion High School is under construction in Marion Oaks and is slated to open in August.

Artist rendering of South Marion High School's main entrance.

Shady Hill Elementary, Howard Middle, and North Marion High Schools were recognized for outstanding student attendance at tonight's School Board meeting. Board members and Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer joined school leaders to celebrate.