Marion County Public Schools is the first school district in Florida to adopt its own textbooks, breaking a long-standing practice of relying on the state to approve books for the classroom.
Since Nov. 1, dozens of volunteers including parents, teachers and other community members have reviewed textbooks in 17 subject areas at all grade levels. Their recommendations were then presented to Superintendent Dr. Heidi Maier.
Maier will present her recommendations to the Marion County School Board in early 2018. The public online access window to view copies of all recommended student editions, now required by state law, is open and available at www.marionschools.net. Individuals wanting to review and comment on proposed textbooks should click the “Recommended Textbook Adoption Information Here” under the “Important Messages” tab. Comments may be presented in person to the School Board at a Jan. 9 public hearing. The Board will vote on all recommended titles on Feb. 13. Following the Board vote, a 30-day objection window opens to the public. If necessary, a public hearing on all formal objections will be held in March, as required by state law.
For more information, call 352.867.2121.
