A look at what to expect on the first day of school

A new school, new faces – teachers andprincipals – and a new semester are coming to Marion County Public Schools.

The 2026-27 year starts Aug. 10. MCPS officials recently released a guide to the upcoming school year. Here's what we know:

New school: South Marion High School opens at 1350 SW 165th St. near Marion Oaks. Ken McAteer is the school's principal.

The school sits on 115 acres. It cost more than $180 million to build and is "expected to open at capacity of 2,011 students," school officials said. They also said a third floor is under construction; once that is done, the school's capacity will increase to 2,711 students.

New communication system: The district is moving to the Apptegy communications platform, described as a "two-way platform"

that "provides a secure, monitored environment for school communications." A new district app bringing all Apptegy's aspects together should launch by Sept. 1.

School statistics: The district expects approximately 46,697 students in its 54 schools and five charter schools. More than 120 new teachers have been hired; another 30 are processing. Presently, there are 62 teacher vacancies, which is fewer than last year, school officials said.

Transportation: Bus drivers travel roughly 250 bus routes each day transporting up to 23,000 students in a county that's more than 1,650 square miles, according to school officials. Parents are encouraged to use the My Ride K-12 mobile app.

New rules for parents and guardians: No parents or adults are allowed to board school buses. Violators face a second-degree misdemeanor charge. Also, those volunteering as chaperones must pass a background check at their own expense. Volunteers working on-campus and in the classroom are generally exempt from this procedure, officials said.

Immunizations: School officials said incoming seventh-graders need to be updated on their immunizations before coming to school. If not, they will be turned away.

School meals: Free meals are offered to all children regardless of family income status. Last school year, 9.7 million meals were provided to students by food service employees, district officials said.

Watch out for students: School starts Aug. 10. Drivers and pedestrians, be cautious

 Big focus this year: Attendance. The theme is "Your Presence Matters."

 After-school programs: Approximately 3,000 students have been registered to Marion Afterschool Programs.

For more information: www.marionschools.net

Contact Austin L. Miller at [e-mail]

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: A look at what to expect on the first day of school