*Update: 4/23/25*
Members of the Marion County School Board have concluded their discussions regarding the future of elementary schools in Northern Marion County including Fessenden and Anthony Elementary Schools. As the Board considers financial decisions paramount to balancing the annual budget, members have determined, for now, immediate future actions will not involve closing schools. This is in response to consistent community input.
Marion County Public Schools hosted two Community Engagement Meetings on Wednesday, March 26th and Thursday, March 27th, 2025, at North Marion Middle School Auditorium and North Marion High School Cafeteria, respectively. Both meetings were held from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
The purpose of these meetings was to provide information and gather feedback from the community regarding:
- Current student enrollment numbers and future enrollment projections for local elementary schools
- The condition and capacity of elementary school facilities in northern Marion County
These meetings provided an opportunity for community members to ask questions and share input with District staff regarding the information presented. The input collected during these meetings will help guide future planning discussions and inform the Marion County School Board’s decisions.
*This webpage will be updated as new information is received*
North Marion County
Elementary School Capacity and Enrollment
*Enrollment Numbers are based on the 120th-day student count.
**Facility capacity is determined by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) using the Florida Inventory of School Houses (FISH) report.
Anthony Elementary
- Facility Capacity – 467
- Enrollment – 349
- Utilization – 76%
Fessenden Elementary
- Facility Capacity – 428
- Enrollment – 435
- Utilization - 102%
Reddick Collier Elementary
- Facility Capacity – 686
- Enrollment – 341
- Utilization – 50%
Sparr Elementary
- Facility Capacity – 414
- Enrollment – 427
- Utilization – 103%
North Marion County
Elementary School Facilities Update
Anthony
- Most buildings built 1936-1994, 2 additions in 2001
- Total maintenance needs in next 20 years: $7.2 Million
- Maintenance and construction projects costs since 2008: just over $2 Million
Sparr
- Most buildings built 1964-1975, additions in 1983 and 1993
- Total maintenance needs in next 20 years: $4.8 Million
- Maintenance and construction projects costs since 2008: $3.8 Million
Reddick-Collier
- Main campus buildings – 1992, one building remained from 1952
- Total maintenance needs in next 20 years: $13 Million
- Maintenance and construction projects costs since 2010: $1.3 Million
Fessenden
- The History of Fessenden Elementary goes back to the 1800's
- Building 1 – 1936 and is on the National Historic Registry
- Total maintenance needs in next 20 years: $12 Million
- Maintenance and construction projects costs since 2010: just over $7 Million