OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The names of Marion County’s two newest elementary schools were officially unveiled during the Marion County School Board meeting April 22, 2025.
Each school’s name was selected through a process led by a principal-appointed naming committee, which included parents, staff, and community members. Public surveys were conducted between Feb. 18 and March 14 to gather community input. The results were reviewed at the school board work session on April 3.
For School W, the top choice was Ross Prairie Elementary School, according to Melissa Kinard, Marion County Public Schools area director for transformation schools.
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“The history behind the recommended name is important to the community,” said Kinard. “School W is in close proximity to the Ross Prairie State Forest. The property was acquired in 1995 through the Longleaf Pines Upland Project.”
Ross Prairie Elementary has also secured a school business partner: Straight Line Construction, which will provide support starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
School X will be named Winding Oaks Elementary, a name also discussed during the April 3 workshop session.
“The history behind this school’s name is also important to this community,” said Kinard. “Elementary School X is built on land with a rich equine history. Originally established as Tartan Farm in 1960 by William McKnight, the property contributed significantly to Florida’s thoroughbred industry. In 1970, Harry T. Mangurian purchased the property and renamed it Mockingbird Farm to continue the tradition of developing top thoroughbreds. He also founded the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company, further impacting the industry. In 2001, Eugene Melnyk, owner of the Ottawa Senators and CEO of Biovail Corporation, bought the farm now known as Winding Oaks.”
Winding Oaks Elementary will be supported by Ausley Construction starting in the 2025-26 school year.
The board unanimously approved both school names in a 5-0 vote.
In other business, the board approved the construction services contract for Middle School DD. The contract with Skanska USA Building, Inc., pre-qualified on June 25, 2024, covers construction management services for the new school, which will replace Lake Weir Middle School in Silver Springs Shores.
The recommendation to approve the contract with Skanska USA Building, Inc. for the construction management services for the building of school DD. Skanska USA Building Inc. was pre-qualified for major construction projects for Marion County Public Schools on June 25, 2024.
The approved funding includes $2,150,000 from capital project funds – $2 million for construction management fees and $150,000 for pre-construction services. The construction cost will be finalized later as a guaranteed maximum price, which the board will review before work begins. Construction is expected to take 18 to 24 months following approval.
Additionally, the board approved a $1 million piggyback agreement with Gate Keeper Systems USA, Inc. to install cameras on school buses.