Ocala/Marion EDC

Following a series of forums between education, business and community leaders, the EDC hosted a site-visit to observe the Beaufort County School System in South Carolina. Beaufort's Superintendent of Schools Herman Gaither, led the two-day tour of the elementary, middle and high schools, highlighting the successes realized by community-driven reformand site-based management.

Marion County School Superintendent Jim Warford supported this trip not only by personally attending but also by bringing a team of Marion County School System administrators and principals to South Carolina as well. A total of 35 individuals attended representing all major areas of the community.

Many insights were gained from this visit. Beaufort County witnessed a successful $240 million dollar bond referendum as a result of actively engaging the community in educational initiatives. Academic standards were raised to reflect the needs of the local workforce. Additionally, trip participants cited networking among each other as one of the most advantageous benefits of the visit.

Following the site-visit, participants and other community leaders and citizens convened at the CFCC Webber Center for a half-day forum on March 28, to initiate the next step toward the revitalization of the local educational system. The plan of action for this group includes:

• The formation of a Business-Education Alliance
• Broadening the base of participants
• Addressing the Big Idea strategies to raise student academic performance and lower the drop out rate