OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Dr. Danielle Brewer, interim superintendent of Marion County Public Schools, delivered a “State of the Schools Address” to those assembled at Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership’s monthly “exCEPtional Mornings” breakfast meeting at the Reilly Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.
Following a performance by the kindergarten class from Florida Early Learning Academy, a morning prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a presentation by monthly sponsor Reveille Wealth Management, Dr. Brewer took the stage to highlight some of MCPS’ recent victories and improvements, while casting an eye toward the organization’s future.
She began by asking the crowd to consider what the Marion County school system does beyond educating the region’s children, from providing hot meals, clothing and support to transportation and a safe space for kids to grow beyond their respective home environments.
“Every student has a dream, regardless of background,” she said. “Every student has a dream regardless of situation, and every student has a dream regardless of capability. Our job is to meet them where they are, supporting, encouraging and lifting them to reach the dreams they imagine for themselves.
She mentioned the district’s growth and successes in the face of the problems other Florida counties face with failing and closing schools.
She played three videos, “designed to give you a clear picture of how people, planning and partnerships come together with a common focus.”
The first video gave an overview of the Marion school system itself, noting its many successes and commitment toward working as a team for the good of the region’s youth.
Among the challenges MCPS faces in meeting those goals in the future, she said, are chronic absenteeism and kindergarten readiness, or preparing students as early as possible for utilizing the education they will receive.
The second video showcased the various teams that work “intentionally and collaboratively” behind the scenes, from handymen to educators, to provide students with the knowledge and preparation they need to take advantage of future opportunities.
Dr. Brewer elaborated on the systems in place and how they’re geared toward the end goal of serving the students, placing a grateful emphasis on the success of funding provided by both the Younger Students Referendum (which expires this year unless it is renewed) and the half-cent sales tax approved by voters in November 2024.
The final video explained how those investments support “everything from arts and career pathways to school safety and modern learning environments,” with a focus on how careful budgetary planning pays off.
“As you can see, every school day begins with opportunity, and ends with progress made,” Dr. Brewer said as she closed her presentation. “The doors opening and closing each day are more than routine. They represent a system working together to support students at every stage of their journey, from the moment they walk onto our campus to turning their tassels at graduation, and the future into which they are stepping.
“At Marion County Public Schools, we believe when students succeed, our community succeeds. This belief drives our decisions, our investments and our focus on continuous improvement.”