Minutes

Independent Citizens Referendum Oversight Committee (ICROC)
Marion County Public Schools, Florida
Minutes for April 17, 2025 Meeting - MTI Auditorium
Pledge and Welcome: Vice-Chair Floyd Magwood led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the pledge, he welcomed Superintendent Dr. Gullett, members of the school board, guests, and district personnel.
Committee Members Present:
Floyd Magwood Melanie Leister
Jennifer Eggers Angie Lester
Bobbie Gunther Diana Williams
● Quorum was confirmed
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes: Previous meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
District Overview by Dr. Diane Gullett: Dr. Gullett thanked the committee for their continued service and expressed appreciation to the district team for their work in preparing the materials for the presentation.
Review of Current Budget: Ms. Boston-Ellis provided an overview of the district’s financial status spanning from the 2016–2017 fiscal year to the present. She noted that the General Fund (Referendum) Summary would highlight cumulative financial data from July 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. The referendum, which was renewed by voters in November 2022, is in effect from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027. It supports the approved programs, including reading, physical education, art, music, library/media services, vocational programs, class size reduction, professional development and retention of state-certified teachers, and school safety.
Team of coordinators to present include Charity Corneliussen (Physical Education), Katherine Otte (Career and Technical Education), Braegan Hughes (Media-Related Instruction Services), Brooke Hutto (Visual and Performing Arts), Michelle Cino (Professional Leadership and Learning), and Dennis McFatten (Safe Schools).
● Financial Status Overview (2015–2016 to Current Year):
A review of revenues and expenditures from 2015–2016 through the current fiscal year was provided.
● Total Referendum Collections:
○ Through FY 2023–2024: $199 million
○ Cumulative through FY 2024–2025: $236.2 million
● Actual Expenditures through FY 2023–2024: $186.8 million
● 2024–2025 Financials (Year-to-Date):
○ Expected Revenue: $37,255,845 - 90.94% received to date
○ Budgeted Expenditures: $43,285,717 - 57.34% spent to date
○ A detailed breakdown of total budget expenditures by category was presented.
○ Actual expenditures by program (2017 through Q3 FY 2024–2025) were also reviewed.
○ A question was raised by a committee member about the change made to one of the categories. Class Size Reduction is referred to Kindergarten Paraprofessionals. Ms. Boston-Ellis clarified it was Teachers and Paraprofessionals. The School Board made the decision at the beginning of year to move all the class-sized teachers to the general fund operating. As a result, paraprofessionals are left in the category.
● Fund Balance Update (FY 2023–2024 to FY 2024–2025):
○ The fund balance is essential to sustain operations through November, when new revenue begins.
○ Ms. Boston-Ellis noted that the FY 2024–2025 fund balance may increase due to unfilled positions and other potential savings.
● Kindergarten Paraprofessionals Update:
○ Total Budget: $6.1 million
○ Expenditures to Date: $4.6 million
■ Salaries: $2.7 million
■ Benefits: $1.6 million
○ Positions Filled: 169 of 177, leaving 8 vacancies
Physical Education Update Presented by Ms. Charity Cornelius, Coordinator of Physical Education
● All MCPS physical educators partnered with Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano to promote health and wellness across the district. This included a weekly fitness challenge for K–2 students to encourage early engagement in physical activity.
● Two physical educators were highlighted to showcase diverse career pathways within physical education.
● Budget and Staffing Overview:
○ Total Budget: $9.6 million
○ Expenditures to Date: $6.2 million
■ Salaries: $4.4 million
■ Benefits: $1.7 million
■ Capital Outlay, Materials & Supplies: $22,000
○ Teaching Positions:
■ 104 filled, leaving 2 vacancies
■ Technician Positions: All positions fully staffed
Vocational Programs Update Presented by Ms. Katherine Otte, Coordinator of Career and Technical Education (CTE)
● 40 CTE pathways are currently offered, representing 14 career clusters.
● Student Enrollment:
○ 15,051 students are enrolled in CTE programs
○ Specific information concerning senior participation and readiness was presented.
● Highlighted Schools and Events:
○ Belleview High School (BHS), West Port High School (WPHS), and Lake Weir High School (LWHS) were recognized for completed projects and student competition success.
○ Events mentioned include Career Fairs, Law Days, and Construction Career Days.
● Budget and Staffing Overview:
○ Total Budget: $2.4 million
○ Expenditures to Date: $1.5 million
■ Salaries: $682,000
■ Benefits: $279,000
■ Supplies: $38,000
■ Purchased Services: $74,000
■ Utilities: $1,000Capital Outlay: $414,000
○ 19 filled, with 1 vacancy remaining
Library/Media Program Update Presented by Braegan Hughes, Coordinator of Media-Related Instructional Services
● Media Specialists are actively supporting student and teacher needs across the district. 49 certified media specialists are involved in advancing literacy initiatives and helping students meet reading benchmarks.They played a key role in planning and implementing Just Read Florida’s Celebrate Literacy Week. Media specialists also participate in Early Release training for instructional platforms and digital tools.
● Daily Activities Include:
○ Destiny checkouts for library circulation
○ Beanstack platform for reading engagement
● Gale Enterprise for research and digital literacy
● The Marion County Student Media Festival was celebrated, featuring: 213 entries from 15 schools. 863 student winners recognized for their creative work.
● Budget and Staffing Overview:
○ Total Budget: $4 million
○ Expenditures to Date: $2.6 million
■ Salaries: $1.9 million
■ Benefits: $700,000
■ Materials and Supplies: $7,000
■ Capital Outlay: $1,000
■ Dues and Fees: $530
○ 48 media specialist positions — all fully staffed
Fine Arts and Music Programs Update Presented by Ms. Brooke Hutto, Coordinator of Fine Arts
● Ms. Hutto spotlighted a variety of visual and performing arts events and student showcases.
○ Kids Tag Art at the Appleton Museum
○ WPHS MCCA Senior Show at the Marion Cultural Alliance
○ Elementary Honor Choir Concert at the Reilly Arts Center
○ Charlie Dixon Music Festival at First Baptist Church of Ocala
○ Additional highlights: Spring Dance Showcase, Thespians Festivals, FFCC Championships, and Secondary Honor Choir
● Art Program Financials and Staffing:
○ Total Budget: $4.8 million
○ Expenditures to Date: $3.1 million
■ Salaries: $2.2 million
■ Benefits: $846,000
■ Materials and Supplies: $91,000
■ Capital Outlay: $6,000
■ Purchased Services: $2,000
■ Dues and Fees: $285
○ 52 teaching positions filled, with 2 vacancies remaining
○ Budget also includes 0.5 coordinator and 12 paraprofessionals
● Music Program Financials and Staffing:
○ Total Budget: $5.1 million
○ Expenditures to Date: $3.3 million
■ Salaries: $2.3 million
■ Benefits: $885,000
■ Materials and Supplies: $35,000
■ Capital Outlay: $18,000
■ Purchased Services: $63,000
■ Utilities: $2,000
■ Dues and Fees: $5,000
○ All 57 teaching positions are filled
○ Budget also includes 0.5 coordinator and 12 paraprofessionals
Professional Development Update Presented by Ms. Michelle Cino, Program Specialist for Professional Leadership and Learning
● The New Teacher Academy successfully hosted three sessions during the semester.Attendees were educators with fewer than 3 years of experience.
● Mentors and Lead Mentors continue to engage in professional learning opportunities designed to support novice and early career educators. Mentors provide site-based professional learning on their campuses, including opportunities for feedback and collaboration.
● A detailed breakdown was shared, covering:
○ Number of novice educators, mentors, lead mentors, early career educators, and Fine Arts mentor cohorts
○ Data was categorized by elementary, middle, and high school levels.
● Information on hours of support and corresponding supplemental pay for Mentors and Leads was also presented.
Budget Overview:
● Total Budget: $627,000
● Expenditures to Date: $6,000
○ Ms. Cino explained that most funds are distributed at year-end, as they are tied to Mentor and Lead Mentor supplements.
● A committee member raised a question about the retention rate of teachers. Ms. Boston-Ellis responded that she would follow up with the appropriate data and report back to the committee at a later date.
Safe Schools Update Presented by Mr. Dennis McFatten, Executive Director of Safe Schools
● Mr. McFatten reviewed how funds from the Safe Schools budget categories are being utilized to enhance campus and transportation safety.
○ Gatekeeper Bus Camera System provides real-time video recording of both interior and selected exterior areas of school buses.
■ Not the same system used to capture vehicles illegally passing stopped buses.
■ Assists with investigations of traffic incidents, liability claims, and student behavior monitoring.
○ Handheld Metal Detectors:
■ Each school will receive two noninvasive handheld metal detectors.
■ Intended for use during authorized administrative searches, incident response, and after-school events.
○ School Resource Officers (SROs):
■ Mr. McFatten emphasized the importance of referendum funds in partially supporting SROs.
■ This is one of four options that meet the state safety requirements for schools.
○ Raptor Volunteer Program:
■ Screens volunteers by checking their state ID against two key databases to enhance school safety.
○ Marion Afterschool Program (MAP):
■ Doorbells are being installed at MAP gates to alert staff when parents arrive.
■ Gates have been added at MAP area entrances to control access and improve safety.
● A committee member inquired about addressing vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses. Mr. McFatten shared that ongoing discussions are taking place.
○ The large scale plan would need to include:
■ Media campaigns
■ Collaboration with local law enforcement
■ Data from the annual transportation study, which is used to address the needs of the district’s safety strategies
● Budget Overview:
○ Total Budget: $9.6 million
○ Expenditures to Date: $3 million
■ Purchased Services: $2.8 million
■ Salaries: $18,000
■ Benefits: $4,000
■ Materials and Supplies: $76,000
■ Capital Outlay: $107,000
■ Dues and Fees: $969
Charter Schools Update Presented by Ms. Boston-Ellis
● Five charter schools currently participate in the district’s referendum-supported program.
● Total Budget: $848,000
○ Expenditures as of March: $699,000
■ Includes salaries, benefits, and purchased services
● A $102,000 funding adjustment was included to settle funds owed from prior years, following the passage of updated state legislation.
● A committee member inquired about the student enrollment in charter schools. Ms. Boston-Ellis estimated the number to be over 500 students but stated she would confirm and report back to the committee with the exact figure.
Questions and Comments
● A committee member inquired about how unused funds from the previous year are managed. She specifically asked whether these funds are placed into the general fund balance or returned to the specific program. Ms. Boston-Ellis explained that while the unused funds are added to the referendum fund balance, they remain within the next year’s referendum budget. Each year, programs are required to submit a new budget, which accounts for any rollover funds from the prior year.
● Another committee member asked Dr. Gullett about the potential impact of a bill in Tallahassee on referendum funds. Dr. Gullett responded that while the referendum dollars are not currently affected, the district is anticipating and
preparing for the possibility of reduced funding. She emphasized that the district will continue to review all available revenue streams to ensure it can meet the needs of students and staff. Dr. Gullett also noted that a document has been created to highlight and share data that reflects the work being done across the county.
Other Matters
● Future Meeting Dates - July 17 and October 16, 2025 at 4PM.
● Meeting Adjourned at 5:00PM
Handouts included for the meeting:
● Agenda
● January 23, 2025 ICROC Board Meeting Minutes
● Example of Expenditures by Program
● 2023-24 Updated Final General Fund Referendum breakdown of Revenue and Expenditures
● 2024-25 General Fund Referendum breakdown of Revenue and Expenditures
● 2024-25 Referendum Funded Units
● Summary of July 1, 2024 - March 31, 2015 budget and activity