FASTfacts - May 12, 2026 (Vol. 21, Issue 19)

Apptegy to Replace Skylert and ClassDojo

Starting July 1, MCPS will switch to a single platform, Apptegy, for general mass messaging and teacher-specific communications.

The platform offers familiar phone, text and email messaging options, just like Skylert has done for the past 11 years.

Apptegy also offers “Rooms,” a module that allows classroom teachers to communicate directly with parents, and vice versa. This option replaces ClassDojo, which will no longer be used due to security and legal concerns.

Another module will add resources to address and improve student attendance and chronic absenteeism.

With Apptegy, users can download a free mobile app custom-created for MCPS that offers “push” messaging in addition to traditional phone, text and email options.

The $878,745 three-year contract also includes unlimited virtual and personalized training for users, along with highly recommended customer support.

MCPS began using mass communication tools in 2003 with ALERTnow and switched to Skylert in 2015.

Timeline Set for '26-'27 Budget Process

District finance leaders are moving forward with presentations and a work session schedule for the new fiscal year following unanimous School Board support to do so. 

The approved timeline meets Florida statutes and provides transparency and opportunities for public involvement in the budgeting process.

The goal is for all questions and concerns to be addressed before formal approval on Sept. 8, 2026. Important milestones include:

• July 1 — District receives certified property values
• July 21 — Superintendent submits tentative budget to School Board
• July 24 — School Board advertises tentative budget hearing and posts tentative budget on district website
• July 28 — School Board holds tentative budget hearing
• July 29 — District notifies property appraiser of proposed millage rate
• Aug. 6 & 13 — Special School Board work sessions on budget
• Aug. 20 – Special School Board work session on budget (if needed)
• Sept. 8 — School Board holds final budget hearing after 5 p.m. and approves budget
• Sept. 9 — District transmits approved budget to Department of Education

School Board Approves $10.5 Million for Special Needs Services

School Board members approved multiple contracts for Exceptional Student Education services, including physical therapy, sign language interpreters and speech pathologists.

Annual contracts for these services are routine, and approved agreements help students succeed academically by developing skills that reduce barriers to learning, enhance their quality of life and help them meet their educational goals.

These latest contract approvals include:
• Citrus Hearing Impaired Program Services Inc. — $1.995 million
• Community Rehab Associates Inc. — $1.66 million
• Davar Life Therapy LLC — $62,975
• Florida Visually Impaired and Blind Services LLC — $439,212
• Princeton Staffing Solutions LLC — $1.45 million
• Special Communications LLC — $1.3 million
• Various occupational therapists and assistants — $1.2 million
• Various physical therapists — $954,200
• Various sign language interpreters — $385,148
• Various speech-language pathologists and assistants — $1 million

Dozens of MCPS employees hold certificates following School Board recognition of their years of service. This year, 161 employees celebrate 25, 30, 35, 40, and 55 years with the District.