FASTfacts - May 26, 2026 (Vol. 21, Issue 20)

New Strategic Plan Approved

School Board members voted 5-0 to approve the new MCPS strategic plan for the next five years.

“2026-2031: Forward Together” showcases the District’s priorities for the near future including:

• Positive, safe, and supportive environments

• High-quality teaching and learning

• Talent development and workforce sustainability

• Fiscal responsibility

• Thriving partnerships

The plan includes measurable outcomes for each priority, along with action steps for accountability to ensure the priorities are met.

Dozens of district, school, and community leaders developed the plan using collaborative, data-informed processes that established the priorities, goals, and performance measures.

The plan keeps the District logo and brand standards but changes the vision statement to, “Supporting Every Student’s Pathway to Success.”

Use this link to view the new strategic plan. 

Higher Food Prices Hit School Cafeterias

School Board members unanimously approved to increase funding for student meal programs, this time to the tune of $4.2 million.

This price tag comes from food service and commodity processing vendors in 14 districts offering more competitive pricing than individual districts alone.

The main vendor is Gordon Food Service, based in Plant City, Florida. Originally Board members approved this contract for $12.5 million in 2024. Last year, higher prices increased the contract by $400,000. This latest approval raises the total to $13.9 million for the next three years. So far this year alone, the district has spent more than $11.6 million. 

This approval means students will continue receiving multiple quality food items and choices for their school meals that are nutritionally based on USDA guidelines.

This renewed agreement runs through June 2029.

Higher Prices Pump More Money into Fuel Contract

Unstable fuel prices are pushing MCPS costs for gas and diesel fuel significantly higher to keep buses and white fleet vehicles rolling.

For several years, MCPS and The City of Ocala joined forces to secure more competitive bulk fuel prices, and a new contract means MCPS could spend up to $5 million just on fuel over the next year.

This amount is significantly higher than the $2.9 million spent as of early May. Higher prices since the war with Iran started in late February are forcing school districts nationwide to rethink their annual budgets. Fuel costs in some districts have doubled since last August.

Renewing the contract with Petroleum Traders Corporation of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, provides stability and competitive pricing in an uncertain market. It also allows the District to continue transportation efficiency while still focusing on safe and dependable transportation for students. 

Thirty schools were recognized for receiving a perfect audit for the 2024-2025 school year.