FASTfacts - June 23, 2026 (Vol. 21, Issue 22)

Property Insurance Renewed for $6.1 Million

School Board members unanimously approved a $6.1 million property insurance package for the upcoming fiscal year.

The coverage includes property, terrorism, boiler and machinery, auto and general liability, excess workers’ compensation, school board errors and omissions, fiduciary and cyber liability, as well as protection against active assailant and crime incidents.

Last year, property insurance and the district’s replenishment fund—required due to its self-funded status—totaled $4.2 million. 

Though last-minute negotiating brought down anticipated costs by $335K, costs are still higher over last year for reasons including coverage for two new elementary schools that opened in the 2025-26 school year. 

MTC Apprenticeship Program Charging Forward

Students pursuing careers as electricians continue to benefit from a long-standing apprenticeship program at Marion Technical College (MTC).

School Board members renewed a partnership with the Florida Electrical Association Inc. to continue the program, which has been in place for 30 years.

The new contract supports up to 130 students, spans one year, and includes three annual renewal options. Students typically complete 2,156 hours of training each year.

Over the past three decades, the program has produced more than 300 electrical journeymen. Graduates have gone on to become business owners, county inspectors, corporate managers, and industry leaders. 

Fresh Produce Program Continues

Fresh produce continues to be a hit with students, and School Board members are ensuring those options remain available.

The Board approved a $2.3 million agreement with What Chefs Want, based in Louisville, Kentucky, to continue supplying fresh fruits and vegetables for at least another year. The partnership ensures consistent delivery of high-quality produce at competitive prices while supporting compliance with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and Farm-to-School initiatives.

Sample pricing includes 125 apples for $25, five pounds of carrot sticks for $18.65, 18 pounds of red grapes for $33.05, and eight pounds of strawberries for $25.80. 

This program also exposes students to foods they might otherwise never encounter, including at home. 

Members representing the Ocala Horse Alliance's Black Stallion Reading Project pose after being recognized by School Board members and Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer. The project provided free copies of the famed book to 3,800 local fourth graders for the sixth consecutive year.