OCALA, Fl (352today.com) – The guaranteed maximum price for the East Marion Elementary School interior doors and wall installation project was approved by a 4-0, with one recusal, by the Marion County Public School Board at their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.
This project will significantly enhance the learning environment, said Angela Usher, MCPS senior executive director of operations.
“It will also include a single point of access that will be great for safety and security,” said Usher.
The school had been built as an open concept. This is also the first project where the district is using the funds from the half-cent sales tax for school improvement, and Usher thanked Marion County voters for approving the tax.
The GMP is $3.7 million, the contractor is Ausley Construction, and the schedule for the project is from Feb. 26, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2026. The project will be done in phases, and was closely coordinated with the principal to make certain it doesn’t impact the teaching environment or testing dates.
Lori Conrad, MCPS board member Dist. 2, recused herself from voting on the agenda item.
Dr. John Pope, East Marion Elementary School principal, came to the agenda review and presented this item to the executive cabinet, said Dr. Sarah James, MCPS chair.
“He really has a thorough plan, and what he’s most excited about, I’m sure all of us have visited East Marion at one point, but when you walk in right now, you’re in the school,” said James. “There are no walls and no doors in that entire front building. Also, the cafeteria line goes right through the lobby. This plan is going to create a safe vestibule entrance. It’s going to create a more efficient way for students to access the cafeteria. And obviously, all of those teachers will have doors and walls in their classrooms, which is going to make their learning environment much more appropriate. Back in the ’70s, there was the really cool idea to have the open classroom concept, and that’s how we got here today. I’m very excited for this project.”