OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Parents, here’s how your vote last November is starting to take shape.

The newly formed School Capital Outlay Surtax Oversight Committee met for the first time on May 6 to begin monitoring how Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) will spend the half-cent sales tax you approved in 2024. Their job? Make sure your tax dollars go exactly where promised — improving safety, easing overcrowding, and upgrading school facilities.

What does this mean for your child?

The half-cent sales tax is expected to fund big improvements across the district, like:

  • Renovating and expanding schools
  • Improving safety and security
  • Reducing overcrowded classrooms
  • Helping retain quality teachers
  • Supporting public charter schools based on enrollment

Who’s keeping watch?

The oversight committee is made up of local volunteers — parents, professionals, and former MCPS students. Many have kids in Marion County schools right now.

What they’ll do:

  • Review how sales tax money is spent
  • Ensure spending matches what voters approved
  • Provide public reports and flag concerns
  • Meet quarterly — starting July 9

Elected officers for the committee include:

  • Chair: Matt Fabian
  • Vice Chair: Wally Wagner
  • Secretary: Jamie Zublik

When will they meet?

For now, meetings are set for:

  • July 9
  • September 24
  • December 3

Each meeting will start at 4 p.m. and will be open to the public.

Why this matters

As a parent, it is your right to know how your tax dollars are used. This committee helps make that process transparent and accountable. You can attend meetings, read public reports, and feel confident that local voices are keeping watch.

Bottom line: Your half-cent is going to schools — and your neighbors are making sure it counts.

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