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Board approves nearly $600,000 equipment purchase for Marion Technical College radiology lab
Summary
The board approved buying radiologic imaging equipment (just under $600,000) plus an estimated $300,000 build-out for a live lab at Marion Technical College to support an associate in science in radiography and expanded dual-enrollment options; funds will come from fund balance.
The Marion County School Board on Sept. 9 approved a purchase and agreement with CMS Imaging Inc. to equip a live radiology lab at Marion Technical College (MTC).
Marion Technical College director (title changed this year) Mr. Smallridge told the board the purchase will include two permanently mounted X-ray machines and one portable unit so students can train on the same models used by local hospitals. He said separating equipment procurement from the construction contract saved the district tax and builder fees and reduced contingency costs.
Smallridge described the campus plan as part of a broader move to offer an associate of science degree in radiography alongside the existing certificate: "we're gonna add a live radiology lab at MTC… this is just under 600,000 for the equipment" and the build-out cost was described as roughly $300,000. He said the purchase will be paid from fund balance.
Board members welcomed the plan as a way to expand career and technical pathways and dual-enrollment opportunities for high-school students. One board member noted that MTC is the only technical college in Florida with a grandfathered program; the live lab helps maintain accreditation and expand an AS track.
The motion to approve the agreement passed unanimously, 4-0.
What happens next: District staff will proceed with the equipment purchase and lab build-out; administrators said dual-enrollment pathways and an AS track will be pursued in parallel.
