FASTfacts - February 10, 2026 (Vol. 21, Issue 13)

Walls and Doors Coming to Osceola Middle

Building 2 at Osceola Middle School was constructed decades ago with an open‑concept layout—no classroom doors and no true dividing walls. While this design was once popular, today’s focus on campus safety and security requires more enclosed learning spaces.

The School Board unanimously approved a $1.7 million project to add interior walls and doors throughout the building, paid by sales tax dollars. Once complete, teachers and students will benefit from improved safety, better acoustics, controlled access, and fully enclosed instructional spaces.

The project also enhances the learning environment, brings the building into better alignment with life‑safety and fire‑code requirements, and supports instructional needs—all while preserving the open media center concept.

Led by Cullison-Wright Construction Corporation, the project is scheduled to begin this summer. Substantial completion is expected by July 31 and includes new flooring along with cosmetic repairs.  

Grant-Based Job Descriptions Revised 

Based on recommendations from Human Resources, the School Board voted 5–0 to approve updated job descriptions in the Grants and Federal Program department. The changes affect the following positions: 

• Program Specialist – Programmatic Auditing
• Program Specialist – Equitable Service to Non-Public and Charter Schools
• Program Specialist – Evaluation
• Program Specialist – Fiscal
• Program Specialist – Inventory
• Coordinator I – Budgets
• Coordinator I – Competitive Grants
• Coordinator I – Compliance

These updates ensure each job description clearly and accurately outlines the essential functions, responsibilities, skills, abilities, and qualifications required for the role. 

Animals Impacting Lake Weir Middle Replacement

Progress on the replacement school for Lake Weir Middle is being delayed— not by weather, but by protected wildlife on the construction site.

Sand Skinks (small, lizard‑like reptiles) and Gopher Tortoises are present on the property and cannot be relocated without proper state and federal permits. Cold weather has slowed relocation efforts for the Gopher Tortoises, while federal approval is still pending for moving the Sand Skinks from the Silver Springs Shores construction area.

Skanska USA, the contractor for the project, requested and received 75 additional days due to these environmental delays. While the $62 million project cost remains unchanged, the School Board’s approval shifts substantial completion to Aug. 6, 2027, just in time for the following school year.

Backed by School Board members and Interim Superintendent Dr. Brewer, 36 teachers (and supporting principals) who won grants from the Ocala Marion County Association of Realtors smile following official recognition at tonight's meeting.