Peek behind the scenes
Leadership MCPS class will offer insights into how the school district operates.
Shown in a slow exposure, students leave West Port High School in Ocala after the last bell on May 10, 2023. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Marion County Public Schools has opened applications for community members to be a part of the fourth class of Leadership MCPS, a district program that shows the public the behind-the-scenes teaching and tasks it takes to run this school district.
The first leadership class took place in 2021-22 and had 20 participants, varying from medical professionals and university staff to Lockheed Martin and city of Ocala employees.
The second class of Leadership MCPS, from 2022-23, had 14 participants. The third class, 2024-25, has not been posted on the district website yet and this 2025-26 fiscal year will be the fourth class.
The MCPS website says, “From peeks into the classroom to learning how funding public education works, you will gain a new appreciation for how a public school district runs and the people dedicated to the students it serves.”
A recent newsletter, “Highlights from MCPS – Week Ending June 20, 2025,” announced the open applications and said to apply at this link by July 25.
The program will consist of eight sessions: Aug. 29, Sept. 26, Oct. 24 and Dec. 5 this year and, in 2026, Jan. 30, Feb. 27, March 27 and April 24.
Sessions will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at different school facilities across the county each month, covering every aspect of teaching more than 45,000 students.
Participants will learn about school support, including educational methods, safe and positive environments, transportation and meal preparation for thousands of students daily.
The fourth class will also see how the community is involved through business partnerships and volunteers who help meet district needs.
This experience involves hands-on demonstrations, student interactions and quality time spent with experts.
MCPS employees are not eligible to apply. Class acceptances will be made later this summer. To learn more about Leadership MCPS, call Government and Community Relations at (352) 671-7759.
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