OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The possible amendment of a secondary education Master of Education online pathway for professionals’ agreement between Marion County Public Schools and the College of Central Florida will be discussed at the Sept. 23, 2025, Marion County Public School Board meeting.
The agenda item falls under the Grants and Federal Programs Department. The agreement was to cover additional tuition costs for the Adding Distinctive Value and Notable College Experience, A.D.V.A.N.C.E. scholarship participants who go onto earn a master’s degree in mathematics or science education.
The recommendation from staff is to approve the second amendment to the agreement.
The Original agreement in the amount of $357,237.44 was approved by the board on Oct. 24, 2023, for the item ending summer of the 2026 semester. The budget source is the special revenue fund.
The agreement had been amended previously, with the first amendment increasing the agreement by $112,762.56, from $357,237.44, to $470,000. The Marion County Public School Board approved the amendment Dec. 10, 2024,
The district has already encumbered $57,079.99, leaving a balance of $412,920.01, and that’s for the remainder of the agreement.
The proposed amendment would increase the agreement amount by $72,000, from $470,000 to $542,000, for the remainder of the agreement.
If the amendment is approved, the district will continue to provide educational opportunities that will increase the number of highly qualified teachers in high-needs schools.