FASTfacts - June 24, 2025 (Vol. 20, Issue 22)

Cambridge Contract Approved for Next Three Years

School Board members unanimously renewed a contract with Cambridge Assessment International Education worth $7.5 million over the next three school years. 

High school students can earn college credits through Cambridge courses at the school level. This same contract supports Reddick-Collier Elementary along with Belleview, Fort McCoy, Lake Weir, and North Marion Middle Schools, providing students with enhanced opportunities for advanced and rigorous coursework. 

Previous contracts maxed out at $1.8 million per single year. 

Students in Cambridge weighted classes generate additional funds for the district when they pass exams and graduate from high school. 

This contract also provides professional development for staff members and runs through June 2028. 

Additionally, the contract includes an updated data-sharing agreement meeting MCPS requirements and an increase in Cyber Liability Insurance for direct damages. 

Food Service Expenses Top $7.1 Million for Milk and Large Equipment

Milk and milk-related products, coupled with large-scale replacement kitchen equipment, will cost $7.1 million over the next three years.

That's the amount and timeframe specified in a new contract approved 5-0 by School Board members Tuesday evening. 

Milk products alone account for $3.1 million of the contract, including cottage cheese, yogurt, butter, and various milk varieties. According to district reports, the average day for milk service at every MCPS school tops $15,000. 

The remaining $4 million pays for large cafeteria equipment such as pass-thru refrigerators, reach-in freezers, and milk coolers. Many of the pieces slated for replacement have been in service for at least 20 years. 

As well, larger equipment helps cafeteria workers serve more students at the same time thanks to larger quantities of food. 

Board Approves $3 Million in Services for Special Needs Students

School Board members unanimously approved just under $3 million in contracts for students with special needs for next school year. 

The six contracts include multiple service providers for occupational and speech therapies, sign language interpreters, and similar services. 

Approved providers include: 

• Various occupational therapists - $1,226,350
• Sign Language interpreters - $371,581
• Oasis OT, LLC - $59,745
• Talk of the Town Speech Therapy, LLC - $525,692
• The Stepping Stones Group, LLC - $365,969
• Florida Visually Impaired and Blind Services, LLC - $439,212

Approving these contracts helps students with disabilities succeed academically by developing skills that reduce the barriers to learning, enhance the quality of life, and help them meet their educational goals. 

Belleview Middle School Robotics Team members pose with School Board members and Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer after leading the Pledge of Allegiance.