Marion County School Board Meeting, October 13, 2026

The Marion County School Board meeting on October 13, 2026, approved two school-bus purchases using Florida Department of Education bid ITB2026-07: six new buses for approximately $1 million and 16 additional buses, with no separate cost stated. The buses include GPS and camera systems, and accessibility equipment where needed. The superintendent noted the district invests approximately $4 million annually in fleet replacement and modernization. Both purchases passed 5–0. The board also reported a superintendent-approved deductive change order of $25,900.16 for North Marion High School auditorium lighting upgrades (Project 24-118, Change Order 1), returning unused project funds to the district.

The board approved a Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System grant application that would allow the district to continue serving as fiscal agent and leverage more than $1.2 million in state and federal funding, and approved a $567,331 Marion County Hospital District grant supporting student horticulture, fitness and nutrition, and prevention programs; both passed 5–0. The consent agenda passed 5–0, with a board member noting it included approval of 18 bus aides. The district also recognized $18,724.91 in donations to schools and student scholarships. No new procurement policy was adopted.