A media-services presenter told the committee on July 17 that district library-media activity rose substantially during the 24-25 school year. The presentation said circulation increased by approximately 40,000 checkouts compared with 23-24 and that media specialists collaborated on professional development, collection management (Follett/Destiny/World Book), and reading initiatives.
The nut graf: referendum funds pay for media specialists and library operations in Marion County Schools; staff emphasized the ties between library programming, reading outcomes and broader student engagement and said infrastructure growth (two new media centers) is planned as the district builds new schools.
Presentation details: 49 certified media specialists supported campuses in 24-25; district-hosted book-bowl challenges and school-based reading incentives were highlighted; staffing supported campus reading events and circulation-data tracking. The presenter said two new media centers and two new media specialists are planned for 25-26, and referenced planning for a new high school media center.
Ending: the committee was told final 24-25 expenditures will be presented in September and that staff will continue planning to sustain and increase checkout rates and reading programs.