COMMUNITY NEWS
School board leaders, new novel, board supervisor named and nonprofit academy
2025-2026 School Board Chair Sarah James, Vice-Chair Lori Conrad and board members Allison Campbell, Rev. Eric Cummings and Nancy Thrower. [Submitted photo]
School board leaders named
The School Board of Marion County has new leaders following a reorganizational meeting on Nov. 11. Sarah James was named chair and Lori Conrad vice-chair, both with unanimous support from other board members.
James was elected to the board in 2022. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Florida, a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Central Florida and a doctorate in educational leadership from National Louis University. James will lead twice-monthly school board meetings and year-round work sessions and serve on leadership boards throughout the community. This is her first time serving as chair, the news release noted.
Conrad served as vice-chair two years ago. An elementary teacher by training, Conrad joined the board in 2022 to fill a partial term. Marion County voters re-elected her to a full four-year term in 2024. Conrad also will serve various board appointments and step in as needed should James be absent.
The board meets at 5:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at the Cole Auditorium at 1614 E. Fort King St., Ocala.
Author releases new book
Jillian Riley [Submitted photo]
The novel is a supernatural romance that follows a werewolf who must find his mate while protecting his pack.
“Fated Through Time: The Golden Mate” from Page Publishing author Jillian Riley is a gripping novel that centers around Callan, leader of his werewolf pack, who is constantly kept by fate from finally meeting his ultimate mate, Paige. Meanwhile, Paige is blindsided when a shocking revelation upends her world and understanding of who she truly is, the news release stated.
The novel is available at bookstores or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play and Barnes and Noble.
New board supervisor
Jan Cubbage [Alan Youngblood file photo]
“A lifelong advocate for agriculture and environmental education, she brings decades of experience in farming, equine management and conservation outreach, along with a passion for conserving Marion County’s natural resources,” according to the news release.
“In this role, she will help guide the district’s efforts to promote soil health, protect water quality, and support sustainable land management.”
Cubbage formerly served as a member of the Dunnellon City Council.
Re-imagined nonprofit academy
The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County has announced the launch of the 2026 Nonprofit Excellence Academy, a year-long professional development program designed to strengthen the leadership, operations and sustainability of nonprofits.
The 2026 academy has been re-imagined based on feedback from participants. This year’s format will feature once-a-month sessions, including courses being offered virtually to make it easier for nonprofit leaders and teams to participate. Each organization can send different team members throughout the year, ensuring employees receive training aligned with their roles and responsibilities.
Expert consultants and presenters from across Florida will lead interactive sessions covering a range of topics, including governance, fundraising, strategic partnerships, planned giving, nonprofit branding, cybersecurity and financial fraud prevention, management and leadership development, annual campaign strategies, budgeting fundamentals and human resources best practices, according to the news release.
To register, visit ocalafoundation.org/2026-nonprofit-excellence-academy or email Dawn Phelps at [email protected].
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