FASTfacts - March 24, 2026 (Vol. 21, Issue 16)

School Board Joins Lawsuit Targeting Social Media Platforms

The Marion County School Board is now represented in a national legal coalition combating the youth mental health crisis some say social media created. 

By a 4–0 vote, Board members approved representation by Wagstaff & Cartmell, a legal firm based in Kansas City, Missouri.

The basis of legal claims filed by similar government entities proposes that social media companies should be held accountable for the mental health crisis impacting the nation’s youth. Joining the lawsuit could allow the Board to recover financial reimbursement for expenses incurred because of this crisis.

“Florida school districts have been especially impacted and are in a unique position to take a stand against this conduct” of social media platforms, according to the contract.

The agreement operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning the Board will not pay any legal fees or expenses unless and until the law firm recovers compensation on behalf of the Board. If the case is not successful, the Board will recover no compensation for its claim and will not owe the law firm for any legal fees or expenses.

The contract states the social media litigation is based on a cause of action known as "public nuisance." 

South Marion High Moving Closer to August Opening

With just five months before it opens this August, South Marion High School is inching forward to be ready for the first day of school.

This includes a $3.2 million purchase of furniture for the new school approved by School Board members, along with additional furniture for East Marion Elementary and Osceola Middle Schools.

Approval means orders can now be placed with anticipated delivery this summer.

Funded with capital project dollars, the Board used similar contracts to furnish Ross Prairie and Winding Oaks Elementary Schools last summer.

The winning vendor is Ernie Morris Enterprises, Inc., of Bushnell, Florida.

More Perfect Audits, This Time for Six Schools

Six more schools earned perfect audits for the 2024-2025 school year that were unanimously approved by School Board members. 

Annual audits focus on a school’s internal funds and are conducted by the District’s Auditing staff with participation from the school principal, bookkeeper, and secretary.

This latest round of audits with no findings includes:

• Belleview High
• Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary (third consecutive year)
• Marion Oaks Elementary
• Bridgeway Academy (formerly Marion Technical Institute)
• North Marion Middle
• Ward-Highlands Elementary (third consecutive year)

These schools, along with others who earned perfect audits, will be formally recognized at an upcoming School Board meeting. 

Flanked by School Board members and Superintendent Dr. Brewer, representatives and principals of 20 MCPS schools show off their Certificates of Commendation for "Excellent" delivery during the 2024-2025 school year awarded by the Florida Department of Education, Division of Early Learning.