FASTfacts - August 11, 2026 (Vol. 22, Issue 03)

Fast Facts logo

Board Amends, Approves Future-Focused Operations Plan

School Board members amended then approved the District’s “Future-Focused Operations Plan” for the next five years.

Board members unanimously agreed to delay actions impacting Wyomina Park and Oakcrest Elementary Schools, Bridgeway Academy, and Fordham Early Learning Academy until more community feedback is gathered.

The plan aligns facilities, programs, and resources with current and projected student needs and addresses aging infrastructure, deferred maintenance, enrollment shifts, operational efficiencies, and educational opportunities through a phased approach. The desired end results include facility replacement, modernization, consolidation, and program expansion.

With the amended plan approved, the major projects and campaigns during the 2026-2031 timeline include:

  • Relocating Belleview Elementary to the current Lake Weir Middle Campus to pave the way for a replacement facility combining Belleview Elementary and Belleview-Santos on the Belleview Elementary campus
  • Rebuilding Booster Stadium
  • Completing turf and track improvements at North Marion, Belleview, Forest, and Lake Weir High Schools
  • Building a new north-end elementary school combining Anthony, Sparr, and Reddick-Collier zones
  • Constructing replacement Dunnellon Middle and High Schools
  • Begin constructing a new Central Office
  • Adding a classroom wing to Maplewood Elementary
  • Upgrading facilities at Fort King Middle

To see more details of the plan, visit this link noting the above-mentioned amendment.  

Information Center Gets New Furniture

Board members approved $900K in funding to equip the new Technology and Information Systems Center with new furniture.

The Center, slated to open this fall off Northeast 35th Street in Ocala, will be the new hub for MCPS computer network operations.

Capital Projects dollars will pay for the furniture, and OEC Business Interiors, Inc., of Gainesville, is the authorized vendor.

Bulk Purchases Approved as New School Year Starts

With unanimous support, School Board members approved several larger-scale purchases to start the 2026-27 school year including:

  • $500K for audio and video equipment for District-wide use by the Technology Department
  • $281,643 to improve the carline experience at Belleview Middle School
  • $219,851 for contracted services benefiting students enrolled in Exceptional Student Education programs
  • $200K for Lexia Learning Systems, LLC
  • $70K for elevator/wheelchair lift repairs
  • $30K for Original Equipment Manufacturer automotive parts for the MCPS White Fleet

Photo of Lloyd W. Johnson, Sr.'s family with School Board members and Supt. Dr. Brewer

Backed by School Board members, the family of Lloyd W. Johnson, Sr., stand for recognition following a proclamation honoring Johnson for his "pioneering contributions" as North Marion County's first African-American bus driver from 1944-1970.