FASTfacts - April 22, 2025 (Vol. 20, Issue 18)

It's Official: Two Newest Schools Named

With two unanimous votes, School Board members have approved official names for the two newest elementary schools in Marion County Public Schools.

Ross Prairie Elementary, located in Marion Oaks, honors the nearby state forest and trailhead. Principal LeAnn McEarchern will now collaborate with her school community to select a mascot, official colors, and establish other day-to-day functions for the school.

Just a few miles north, within Ocala city limits, Winding Oaks Elementary is situated on property formerly known as Winding Oaks Farm, which was recognized for its equine training facilities. Nearby schools include Hammett Bowen Jr. and Liberty Middle Schools. Principal Traci Crawford will also work with her school community to determine the mascot, school colors, and other operational details.

Several rounds of submissions from both school communities helped shape the final names presented for School Board approval.

Ross Prairie and Winding Oaks Elementary Schools are both slated to open to students this August.

Extended School Year and Summer School Scheduled for June and July

Students who need additional support to advance to the next grade level can receive services this summer thanks to a staffing plan approved by School Board members.

The plan also provides support for students with special needs as part of the Extended School Year (ESY) program.

Nearly 700 MCPS employees are expected to be on the summer/ESY payroll through July 17 for most programs, and through July 24 for Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs.

In total, 663 MCPS employees are anticipated to participate in this year's summer schedule including: 

• 140 Bus Drivers and Aides

• 82 Special Needs Paraprofessionals

• 71 Third-Grade Teachers

• 71 Credit Recovery Teachers

• 69 Cafeteria Managers and Workers

• 44 Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Teachers

• 41 Third-Grade Reading Paraprofessionals

• 8 School Counselors

For more details about this year's summer school program, click this link. 

New Contract Brings New Copiers Districtwide

A new contract approved by School Board members means schools and departments will receive new Canon-branded copiers starting this summer.

The contract is based on a State of Florida agreement that offers lower lease rates but includes a per-copy fee. Unlike the previous contract, which included built-in copy allowances, the new agreement does not.

Schools and departments will select from various machine options and features based on their copy volumes and budgets. While a final dollar figure was not available at the time of approval, the contract is expected to cost millions of dollars annually. However, each school and Central Office department will be limited to the copier lease budget amount approved by the Board each year.

The 60-month agreement, modeled after a similar contract in Colorado, will run through 2030.

Student School Board members (front row) received plaques and certificates of recognition for their service to the Board this year. They also were given unique lapel pins they can wear as part of their graduation regalia.