FASTfacts - April 28, 2026 (Vol. 21, Issue 18)

Board Approves Bell Times for Next School Year

With a 5-0 consent agenda action, School Board members approved start and stop “bell” times for the new school year beginning in August.

Based on that decision, most schools will remain on their current schedule:

• Elementary: 7:35 a.m.–2:10 p.m.
• Middle: 9:20/9:35 a.m.–3:55/4:11 p.m.
• High: 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

Schools with different times next year include:

• Eighth Street Elementary: 8 a.m.–2:35 p.m.
• Fort McCoy K‑8: 7:35 a.m.–2:10 p.m.
• Hillcrest School: 9:05 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Lake Weir High: 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
• South Marion High School: opening in August, will follow the same bell schedule as other high schools—8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. 

More Janitorial and Sanitation Supplies Coming

MCPS uses The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) to purchase supplies and services used by schools districtwide.

A $750,000 purchase adds more supplies to the inventory available from the Central Warehouse. Board members approved the agreement allowing for $250,000 in purchases over each of the next three years.

The agreement allows MCPS to purchase more of these items—and additional supplies such as trash can liners—at more competitive rates, saving taxpayer dollars in the process. 

Substitute Teacher Service Renewed

ESS Southeast, LLC will continue providing and managing substitute teacher services for Marion County Public Schools.

Board members approved a $6.5 million contract that includes recruitment and training of substitute teachers districtwide.

MCPS has used ESS Southeast, LLC since 2022, when the cost was $5 million per year.

The amended contract runs through June 2027 and may be renewed for one additional year if no changes are made to the agreement.

School business partners and their school principals pause after being recognized by School Board members. Business partners donated nearly $400K to MCPS schools this year thanks to the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, which directs the partnership program.