FASTfacts - August 25, 2026 (Vol. 22, Issue 04)

Teacher Raises Add $5.9 Million to Annual Budget

School Board members unanimously supported teacher raises that add more than $5.9 million to the annual budget.

The decision was part of this year's approval of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the School Board and the Marion Education Association (MEA).

Raises of $2,400 will go to classroom teachers who have 10 or more years of verifiable experience in Florida public schools and are employed by MCPS as of today's date.

All other members of the bargaining unit who do not qualify for that increase will receive a smaller increase based on years of service: 1-9 years = $750; 10 or more years = $1,800.

The three-year agreement also allows MCPS and the MEA to each have six reopener sections during the next bargaining year beginning July 1, 2027 (up from three).

MEA members ratified the agreement earlier this summer, and salary adjustments are retroactive to July 1, 2026. Advanced degree and extra-duty supplements remain unchanged for the 2026-2027 school year.

Use this link to view the new agreement.

Various Purchases Garner Green Light

During tonight's School Board meeting, several items received approval for purchase, including:

• $1.5 million - Increased costs for milk and milk products
• $200K - International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas
• $120K - Turf management services for athletic fields
• $100K - Two-way radios for schools, departments, and vehicles
• $40K - Diplomas and covers
• $40K - Water monitoring services for well-water campuses
• $37K - Towing services

Visit this link to see more information on any of these items.

IDEA Grant Means $12.2 Million for ESE Students

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B Grant provides educational services to children with disabilities ages 3-21, including students in alternative settings. 

School Board members approved this year's $12.2 million grant. MCPS will use these funds for professional technical services personnel, special-needs paraprofessionals, and administrative and support staff to help meet students' needs.

The grant requires funding be used "only to pay the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities." The funds must be used to supplement state, local, and other federal funding sources, not supplant them.

The annual approval also includes charter school students with exceptional needs.

In a related vote, Board members also approved a similar IDEA grant for preschool students worth $298,697.

Representatives from more than 100 local businesses, churches, clubs, organizations, and partners pause for recognition after joining forces to provide thousands of dollars worth of back-to-school supplies, donations, prayers, and volunteer hours benefitting MCPS students. School Board members and Superintendent Dr. Brewer recognized these donors for their efforts at tonight's meeting.