Committees propose countywide athletic director, new Central programs and possible sale or repurposing of unused elementary properties

Three board committees — athletics/activities, branding and facilities — presented a set of recommendations the Madison County Scribe Board will consider as consolidation work continues.

Athletics and programs

The athletics/activities committee recommended creating a countywide athletic director (AD) position reporting to the superintendent rather than to principals. The committee said the role would centralize scheduling and reduce conflicts; it also noted that any candidate (the committee cited Mister Harris as an example) might need a reduced teaching load to meet administrative responsibilities.

Committee chair (presentation) also described recommendations to decline adding soccer and tennis at the high school now, based on anticipated costs, limited revenue for those sports and court/court‑count constraints. The committee recommended expanding club offerings at Central School — drama/theater, student government, FFA (with the caveat that an ag‑certified teacher would be required), yearbook/journalism, Future Florida Educators (FFEA) and civics clubs — and suggested reinstating a club day in the master schedule to allow meeting time during school hours. The committee urged revisiting stipend and supplement levels so sponsor pay is more competitive; it suggested a differentiated approach tied to activity level and performance expectations.

Branding

The branding committee recommended no change to the school name or mascot for now. The committee proposed focusing on building a positive image for "Madison County Central," including a middle‑school "influencer" contest to teach students social‑media skills and to promote positive messaging. The committee also proposed developing a new inclusive motto and updating the district mission statement.

Facilities and property recommendations

The facilities committee recommended pursuing grant funding and a county partnership to convert Lee Elementary into a hurricane/impact shelter, so the district would not need to routinely displace Central School during storms. The committee also recommended listing Panetta Elementary, Greenbelt Elementary and the board annex as potentially surplus and available for sale, while inserting contract protections: non‑compete clauses and first‑right-of-refusal language where appropriate.

Presenters noted interest from a nonprofit buyer (identified in committee discussion as an organization working in regional food distribution and seeking grant funding) and that partnership options with the town of Greenville and other local entities remain under discussion. Committee presenters emphasized sensitivity to community history tied to some properties and suggested that any sale include stipulations to protect community interests.

Next steps

Committees will return with further fleshed-out recommendation details. The board scheduled related public engagement: a Department of Education workshop tentatively set for March 18 at 10 a.m., and a public meeting on school consolidation slated for March 20 at Central School, 6 p.m. Committee leads said they will follow up with more granular cost estimates and proposed contract language before any property sale or new staffing decisions are finalized.