1:01The board’s extensive discussion on school safety highlighted the potential restructuring of SRO contracts. With the current three-year contract expiring in June 2025, three scenarios were presented for renewal. The first scenario proposed maintaining the existing arrangement with 41 SROs at an estimated cost of $375,000. The second scenario suggested the Marion County Sheriff’s Office take full responsibility for SRO duties with 66 officers, increasing costs to approximately $5 million. The third option involved the Sheriff covering unincorporated areas with 53 SROs at $4 million, while the Ocala Police Department would handle secondary schools for $1.1 million.

Concerns were raised about communication and service continuity between law enforcement agencies, especially if the Ocala Police Department’s officers were replaced by Sheriff’s Office deputies. The board discussed the significance of SROs’ relationships with students and staff, emphasizing the need for consistency. The sheriff assured the board of improved communication systems, which have resolved past reliability issues.

17:57An alternative proposal suggested employing guardians instead of uniformed officers in elementary schools to manage costs while complying with legal safety mandates. However, some board members resisted compromising on safety, advocating for well-trained officers familiar with the school environment.

2:06:28The meeting also focused heavily on improving athletic facilities, with a call for immediate action to allocate $2 million from the capital budget. The proposed upgrades included ADA-compliant bleachers, updated scoreboards, and repairs to tennis courts. A rubberized track at Westport High School was also discussed, with an estimated cost of $550,000. The board considered the track a strategic investment due to its proximity to county facilities, which could also support community events.

Board members expressed urgency in addressing these athletic deficiencies, noting the inadequate condition of existing facilities. Discussions revealed a consensus on the importance of prioritizing athletics, which have historically been underfunded. Concerns were particularly voiced about the lack of adequate changing facilities for female athletes, impacting compliance with Title IX requirements.

The board also explored potential partnerships to fund upgrades, including leveraging tourism development tax dollars to improve facilities like Booster Stadium. There was a strong emphasis on the need for equitable facilities for all athletes, with suggestions for small-scale improvements to address immediate needs.

53:08In addition to these primary topics, the board addressed the Marion Technical College’s radiologic technology program, which faces challenges due to changes in accreditation requirements. The discussion included a proposal to transition the program to offer an Associate in Science degree, allowing the college to recruit students without prior degrees.

2:37:57The board also touched on the process for selecting a consultant for the superintendent search. Members discussed the importance of consulting the Florida School Board Association for guidance and considering various options for the search process.