The Shields Painting Difference: Perfection with Every Brush Stroke
Many painting companies in Florida rely on flashy marketing and big promises to try and attract new clients. But when it comes time to work, they fall short of their promises. This is often due to a lack of experience, qualified painters, and a drive to overachieve. At Shields Painting, we do things a little differently than other painting companies in Citrus County. We believe that a professional paint job should be as close to perfect as possible. Our goal is to leave you 100% satisfied, whether we're touching up an old residential paint job or performing a complex commercial project. It might sound simple, but we achieve that goal through honesty, hard work, beautiful results, and reasonable pricing.
As a family-owned and operated painting company in Sparr, FL, we strive to provide personalized, professional, and friendly service. Shields Painting has been in business since 1968 for a good reason. Whenever possible, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers are happy. Unlike some of our competition, we want to know all about your house or business painting project: your vision, your preferences, your challenges, and your goals. When we understand your needs, we can present you with a fantastic final product - one that you're proud to show off to friends and neighbors.
At Shields Painting, we combine our extensive experience with time-tested, meticulous painting processes, resulting in the highest quality painting results around. As a painting contractor in Citrus County, we can take on a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial projects in Florida.
A few of our most popular painting services include:
- Interior Painting
- Exterior Painting
- Residential Painting
- Commercial Painting
- Cabinet Painting
- Ceiling Painting
- Fence Painting
- Sign Painting
- MUCH More!
Our commercial, industrial, and residential painting contractors take the proper steps to protect your property and belongings while we work. Our team will clean up after ourselves, so your property is left clean and free of debris when we're done. After all, we think there's only one way to do a job, and that's the right way.
Painting Services
Eco-friendly & clean work area.
PDCA Certified Member.
Your Go-To House Painting Company in Sparr, FL
Your home is a haven of relaxation and solitude. It is uniquely you - a place where you can express who you are through style and design. Whether you need interior touch-ups for your crown molding or a new exterior coat of paint, hiring a reliable painting contractor is the best way to get quality results.
At Shields Painting, we know how important it is to have a home that highlights your tastes and personality. That's why we offer an extensive array of residential painting services in Citrus County. As tempting as it might be to try a DIY paint job, without the proper skills and experience, there is a good chance that the results will turn out less than satisfactory.
High-quality painting requires skill, experience, and patience. If you're a homeowner who needs residential painting services but doesn't have the time, patience, or skills to handle the job, look no further than Shields Painting. We offer accuracy, precision, and longevity with each paint job we perform. Our customers choose Shields Painting for their home because they receive:
- Free Quotes with Detailed Project Breakdowns
- Affordable Pricing
- Expert Painting Contractors
- High-Quality Paint Products
- Combo of Traditional and Modern Techniques
- Well-Maintained Tools
- Unmatched Craftsmanship
- Friendly, Personalized Service
- Good Old-Fashioned Hard Work!
The majority of our house painting services come in two forms: interior and exterior.
Interior Residential Painting
As an interior painting contractor with decades of experience, our expert technicians have developed an interior painting process that maximizes quality and emphasizes customer satisfaction. We understand that interior painting goes beyond aesthetics. It protects your ceilings and walls and helps you sustain a healthier place to live for your family. When only the finest craftsmanship will do inside your home, Shields Painting is here for you.
Our seasoned team of painting experts and craftsmen is dedicated to respecting your space and providing you with the look and feel you're craving inside your home. Whether you bought a new house and want to make it your own or need minor touch-ups but have no time, Shields Painting is ready to tackle the job, no matter how small or large.
Unlike some painting companies, our interior house painters take the time to get the details right, every time. For instance, color is only one aspect of your interior paint job. The paint sheen or finish is just as important. Certain finishes are better for living rooms and bedrooms than in kitchens and bathrooms. We'll help you find the right finish and paint colors for your home, so you don't have to worry about touch-ups or repainting.
Some of our most popular interior house painting services include:
- Ceiling Painting
- Popcorn Ceiling Removal
- Living Room Painting
- Bathroom Painting
- Basement Painting
- Color Consultations
- More
Cabinet Painting
Citrus County cabinet painting deserves its own section on this page because it requires more time, skill, and quality paint than most sections of your home. If your home's cabinets are built into its woodwork, replacing them can be obnoxiously expensive. Compared to the cost of installing new cabinets, painting your kitchen cabinets is much more affordable.
At Shields Painting, we specialize in transforming old cabinets into new, gorgeous features that are just as usable as they are beautiful. Each step of our cabinet painting process is meticulous and thorough. And we'll take care of the entire job, from cleaning, prep, and sanding to priming, painting, and reassembly. This unique service lets you enjoy a brand-new look in your kitchen without having to go into debt by replacing your cabinets.
Whether your cabinets are new, but you want to change their color or you'd like to transition wood cabinets to a painted finish, Shields Painting has the expertise and experience to give you a new look you'll love.
Exterior Residential Painting
Your home - it's a place that not only keeps your belongings safe. It protects your family and loved ones, too. It's one of your largest investments, and like anything else of value, it should be protected. However, Florida weather can take a toll on your home's structure and paint, lowering your home's value and even putting your family at risk.
While it's true that a beautiful exterior affects your house's value, it shouldn't take thousands of remodeling dollars to make a positive change to your home. There's a fine line between reasonable pricing and top-quality painting, and that sweet spot is what Shields Painting aims for. If you want to transform how your friends and neighbors see your home, never underestimate the power of a professional paint job.
Our exterior residential painting services are designed to boost curb appeal, give your home a fresh look, and help it stand up to Florida's unique weather. But we provide more than that. When you hire Shields Painting for your outdoor painting project, you will enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your home is in truly capable hands. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and help bring out the best in your property, whether you need to re-stain your deck or remove old, peeling paint from your siding.
If you're on the hunt for the very best exterior painting contractor in Sparr, FL, look no further than Shields Painting.
Some of our most popular exterior house painting services include:
- Vinyl Siding Painting
- Deck Painting and Staining
- Stucco Exterior Painting
- Wood Exterior Painting
- Porch Painting and Staining
- Soffit Painting
- Fascia Painting
- Window Painting
- Front Door Painting
- Thorough Painting Prep
- More
The Premier Commercial Painting Company in Sparr, FL
When it comes to first impressions, your businesses' appearance plays an important role. Your commercial property's paint job factors into its overall aesthetics. A great-looking, well-maintained paint job can mean the difference between a customer walking in your storefront and passing by. Conversely, an old, worn-out commercial paint job can send the wrong message to prospective customers. If you can't take the time to keep up your property's appearance, why would a customer spend their hard-earned money on your products?
The same goes for your businesses' interior paint. Would you want to do business with a company that has peeling paint or unsightly crown molding? At Shield's Painting, our goal is to create a beautiful environment that your customers and employees will love inside and out. When you work with our business painters, you can rest easy knowing we treat your business like it were our own. We always clean up after ourselves and know that operations cannot come to a halt just because we're painting. As such, we'll work with your busy schedule to ensure the job gets done right the first time without disrupting your day-to-day commitments.
With decades of commercial painting experience, we know the demands of a commercial painting project necessitate a disciplined and focused approach from the start. Our team of business painters is committed to delivering quality, on-time results on every project, every time - no excuses
We offer professional business painting services to a variety of building types, including:
01
Industrial Painting
A high level of care and finesse are required to effectively paint an industrial property. At Shields Painting, we know that industrial paint jobs involve much more than aesthetics. That's why our industrial services are customized to your specifications, using industrial-grade materials that stand up to heavy-duty operations.
02
Retail Store Painting
Our commercial painters apply effective, yet appealing interior and exterior paint that stand up to the daily rigors of busy retail environments.
03
Small Business Painting
Do you own a restaurant franchise? Have a small "mom and pop" location that needs a fresh coat of paint? Shields Painting has the resources and reliability to efficiently get the job done the first time. That way, you can focus on serving your customers, not having your business repainted.
04
Healthcare Location Painting
From walk-in clinics to long-term care facilities, Shields Painting is sensitive to your patients' needs. We know you must protect your patient's privacy while maintaining productivity. Our approach to healthcare location painting centers around your schedule to avoid disruptions in care.
05
Apartment Complex Painting
Erase signs of wear and make your apartment complex or multi-family building a more desirable place to live with a stunning, professional paint job.
Florida's Most Trusted Painting Contractor
Shields Painting has been in the business since 1968. In a world where so much has changed, we are proud to uphold the ideals that make us successful: hard, honest work, getting the job done right, and excellent customer service. Providing you with trustworthy, quality work will always take priority over rushing through a project to serve the next customer. That is just not the way we choose to do business.
As professionals dedicated to perfection, we strive to provide a unique painting experience for every customer - one that focuses on their needs and desires instead of our own. Whether you need residential painting for your home or commercial painting for your business, we encourage you to reach out today to speak with our customer service team. Whether you have big ideas about a new paint project or need our expertise and guidance, we look forward to hearing from you soon.
352-212-1533Free Consultation
Latest News in Sparr, FL
News and events in business and industry
Staff Writerhttps://www.ocala.com/story/business/briefs/2018/01/01/news-and-events-in-business-and-industry/16702939007/
Ocala Star-BannerSpecial recognition for area businessRepresentatives from Red Brand Fence in Peoria, Illinois, recently visited Sparr Building & Farm Supply to help celebrate the local company's 70-year anniversary.At the flagship store in Sparr, company president Sam Howard was presented with a commemorative roll of red, white and blue Red Brand Field Fence. A plaque and exclusive Red Brand die cast truck also were given to Howard to express Red Brand's appreciation for their long-standing relation...
Ocala Star-Banner
Special recognition for area business
Representatives from Red Brand Fence in Peoria, Illinois, recently visited Sparr Building & Farm Supply to help celebrate the local company's 70-year anniversary.
At the flagship store in Sparr, company president Sam Howard was presented with a commemorative roll of red, white and blue Red Brand Field Fence. A plaque and exclusive Red Brand die cast truck also were given to Howard to express Red Brand's appreciation for their long-standing relationship.
"Sparr's commitment to providing the best products available at a fair price aligns with Red Brand's own objectives," said Darren Markey, Red Brand's Executive Director of Wire Products, Sales & Marketing, in a news release. "That's why Sparr is such a great business partner. Not only do they value products that are 100 percent made in America, but they put their customers' needs first. Quality and hard work have made them one of the premier sources for ag fence in all of Florida. We couldn't be more proud to be their number one supplier of ag fencing. We congratulate the family at Sparr on this significant milestone and wish them great success in the years to come."
Sparr Building & Supply was founded in 1947 by Elbert and Mary Griggs. They operated the store until their nephews, Sam and Paul Howard, took over in 1981.
Sparr operates stores in Sparr, Williston and Leesburg, and is the largest independent feed and agricultural fence dealer in the Southeastern U.S. Red Brand Fence is manufactured at Keystone Steel & Wire and is home to the first fence-weaving machine, invented in 1889.
Patent assigned
Northrop Grumman Systems, Falls Church, Virginia, has been assigned a patent (9,847,034) developed by Daniel W. Plawecki of Ocala, for "compliant autonomous aircraft maneuvering."
The abstract, in part, states: "An aerial vehicle maneuvers in compliance with applicable aviation regulations by formulating a request to air traffic control for permission to perform a proposed maneuver, overlaying, as a sub-modulated secondary signal, data characterizing the request on top of a primary ADS-B signal such that the primary ADS-B signal is not interfered with, and transmitting an ADS-B message comprising the primary and secondary signals."
MRMC honors
Munroe Regional Medical Center congratulates the 2017 Employee and Leaders of the year:
+ Employee of the Year: Brandin Brady, Food & Nutrition Services
+ Non-Clinical Leader of the Year: April Monroe-Lehman, Director of Physician Practices
+ Clinical Leader of the Year: Darius Love, Director of Med Renal
MRMC also recently celebrated triple reaccreditation from the American College of Cardiology in Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Failure and Chest Pain, with the opening of the new MRMC Heart Failure & Structural Heart Clinic.
The only one of its kind in Florida: Equine Science program at North Marion H.S.
Andy Fillmorehttps://www.ocala.com/story/news/education/2023/04/29/floridas-only-high-school-equine-science-program-is-at-north-marion/70161167007/
SPARR − A newly approved four-year equine studies program at North Marion High School is meant to be a fast track for students toward college and an estimated 244,200 jobs in Florida’s $11.7 billion horse industryEquine Science 2, 3 and 4, courses with “student performance standards” written by NMHS instructor Lori (Albritton) Jones, were approved as curriculum by the Florida Department of Educa...
SPARR − A newly approved four-year equine studies program at North Marion High School is meant to be a fast track for students toward college and an estimated 244,200 jobs in Florida’s $11.7 billion horse industry
Equine Science 2, 3 and 4, courses with “student performance standards” written by NMHS instructor Lori (Albritton) Jones, were approved as curriculum by the Florida Department of Education in April.
The three Equine Science courses, along with the already in place Agriscience Foundation in freshman year, make up a four-year program at NMHS.
Big land sale:Buc-ee's pays $8.62 million for Ocala land off I-75
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Equine 2 aims to develop competency in the areas of horse safety, behavior, breeds and classification, grooming, health, digestion and nutritional requirements, anatomy and body systems, global impact, governing agencies and equine industry careers.
Equine 3 and 4 build upon the foundation course and include areas like breeding readiness, reproduction leadership, analyzing records and the environment, according to Jones.
The four-year Equine Science program is unique in Florida and is currently offered only at NMHS.
Equine Science is an outcropping of an extracurricular horse program, North Marion FFA Equine, which was started by Jones and Animal Science students in 2016 with a $5,000 grant obtained by Jones and her students.
“This program has opened doors not only for students to take an Equine Science class, but they are getting real world experiences by working with industry leaders. This program would not have been possible without the help of our equine sponsors in our community,” Jones wrote in an email.
Sponsors of North Marion Equine include Buckeye Feeds, Pleasant Acres Farm, Ocala Stud, Sparr Building & Farm Supply, Hugh and Valerie Dailey, Dr. Corey Miller-Equine Medical Center of Ocala, Dr. John Peloso, Florida Thoroughbred Farm Managers, TizWhiz Hay and farriers Tanner Smith and Brian Gleason.
A rich tradition
Jones, a teacher for 28 years and at NMHS since 2015, is a lifelong horsewoman. She is the wife of Bobby Jones of Bobby Jones Equine, a major supporter of the program.
The North Marion Equine program kicked off with the donation of two bred mares by Bobby Jones Equine: Clueless Brook in 2017 and Perfect Biscuit in 2018."I am very impressed by the students that are interested in this equine program. I feel this program fuels the fire, for young people that possibly could have a future or career in the equine industry. It has been a pleasure working with these young people over the past six years,” Bobby Jones wrote in an email.
Bobby Jones said working with the students has been “amazing.”
Since 2017, students participating in the North Marion Equine program raised and cared for two colts and a filly from the mares and a yearling donated by Valerie Dailey. The two colts, filly and yearling were sold at Ocala Breeders Sales for a total of $44,000.
The funds have been put back into the NMHS agricultural program for feed, supplies, veterinarian care, facilities need, field trips and more, according to program literature.According to program literature provided by Lori Jones, students in the North Marion Equine program spend time at the Bobby Jones Equine Farm and “volunteer and help groom, learn about sales prepping, reproductive work (and surgical procedures) with the vet, and (Bobby) Jones” and some have been “present when foaling mares.”
The mares in the program now are Perfect Biscuit, Country Song and Ahaya, a 12-year-old mare, purchased by North Marion Equine. All the mares are in foal.
Plans include selling Perfect Biscuit’s filly in October. Country Song’s yearling is set to be sold in 2024.
Pleasant Acres and Charlotte Weber of Ocala Stud have also contributed horses to the North Marion Equine program.
All about the students
The North Marion Equine program now has 11 students, and most participants remain in the program through their time at NMHS. There are currently 22 students in the Equine Science 2 class.
Students in the Equine Science 2 class at NMHS, Madison Bias, 18, Cooper Espinoza, 16, Ava Densmore, 16, and Camille Ashbaugh, 17, all worked with the mares during a recent session. Their career interests range from veterinarian to turf management.
Fianna Roberts-Squier came to the right place to follow her career goal as a horse behaviorist. Fianna, 17, moved with her family to Ocala from Volusia County last year and now, as a senior, she’s enrolled in the Equine Academy at North Marion High School, is taking the new Equine 2 class, and is participating in the extracurricular equine program.
Although she joined the NMHS program as a senior, Fianna is taking Equine 2. She has already taken the Agriscience course and Animal Science 3 courses at NMHS.
Lori Jones said Fianna will have a “great educational background” for all aspects of livestock. “(Fianna) has been an asset to our program this year,” Jones said.
Fianna has said she plans to attend a four-year college and major in equine psychology so she can better understand horse behavior.
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences/Department of Animal Science Department offers Horse Psychology and Training and Intermediate Horse Psychology and Training, according to animal.ifas.ufl.edu
An important field
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website (fdacs.gov) “(the) Florida horse industry, including industry suppliers, generates an annual $6.8 billion economic impact on the gross domestic product of Florida.”
“Total employment figures add up to 244,200 jobs. With a population of over 385,000 horses, Florida ranks as the third largest equine state in the United States.”
“Horse ownership, equine associations and profit-making organizations, plus tourism spending by riders and spectators, combine for a $11.7 billion annual economic impact.”
The Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership has partnered with MCPS for equine programs.
“Our ultimate goal is to expose students to the many employment opportunities available in the equine industry from media to exercise riders and farm managers to veterinarians,” stated CEP Chief eXperience Officer Tamara Fleischhaker.
Fleischhaker explained that Pyranha Animal Health products is the sponsor of the CEP’s equine initiative.
Fleischhaker indicated two years of meetings between Marion County Public Schools officials, equine industry representatives and CEP staff “led to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Foundation for Chamber & Economic Partnership and MCPS.”“The CEP’s equine initiative will continue to provide guidance and connections to the equine industry, particularly with the local farms, to coordinate field trips, learning experiences and horse visits to schools,” she wrote, in part.
Kevin Christian, director of public relations for MCPS, stated in an email that the NMHS Equine Studies program was off and running even before the current CEP backing.
“The financial backing for NMHS was already in place prior to the MOU thanks to the hard work of the teacher, Mrs. Jones. The CEP is working with us to connect with businesses that provide support in the future to other high schools that want to offer Equine Science or to add a horse for Animal Science experience,” he wrote, in part.
'A shenanigan': Residents, county staff blast RaceTrac's move to build at U.S. 441/CR 329
The Star Bannerhttps://www.ocala.com/story/business/real-estate/2023/11/24/racetrac-faces-massive-opposition-wants-to-build-at-u-s-441cr-329/71681842007/
RaceTrac wants to build a service station/convenience store/truck stop at the southwest corner of U.S. 441 North and County Road 329, just south of the U.S. 441/U.S. 301 split.Here's what we know:Who started this process?Atlanta-based Del Lago Ventures Inc. has filed a rezoning application with Marion County government. Del Lago is a subsidiary of RaceTrac Petroleum Inc. The land is owned by Jerry and Karen Cauthen of Sparr, ...
RaceTrac wants to build a service station/convenience store/truck stop at the southwest corner of U.S. 441 North and County Road 329, just south of the U.S. 441/U.S. 301 split.
Here's what we know:
Who started this process?
Atlanta-based Del Lago Ventures Inc. has filed a rezoning application with Marion County government. Del Lago is a subsidiary of RaceTrac Petroleum Inc. The land is owned by Jerry and Karen Cauthen of Sparr, but Del Lago has expressed a desire to purchase it, according to a letter on file with Marion County government staff.
What does the company want?
It has asked to change approximately 11.06 of the 38.62 acres from General Agriculture (A-1) to Rural Commercial (RC-1) so that a RaceTrac can be built.
Who decides on the requested zoning change?
The Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission will consider the case Monday (Nov. 27) and make a recommendation to the County Commission, which has the final say. The Planning & Zoning meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday in commission chambers at the McPherson Governmental Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala.
County staff, citing multiple concerns about compatibility, safety and more, has recommended denial of the petition.
Environmental and compatibility concerns
According to a report from county staff, the land in question, which is currently undeveloped, is inside the Farmland Preservation Area, Silver Springs Primary Springs Protection Zone and Silver Springs Secondary Protection Zone.
"This parcel is firmly within the Farmland Preservation Area, and is surrounded by similar rural and agricultural properties," county staff wrote. "Marion County has specifically endeavored to protect rural and agricultural areas in our community."
The Circle K on the southeast corner has three pumps and a small convenience store. The Sunoco on the northeast corner has two pumps and a small store. Both businesses have been operating for decades and began before Marion County adopted its comprehensive plan.
The proposed RaceTrac would have eight pumps, servicing a maximum of 16 vehicles at a time, as well as five refueling lanes for servicing semitractor-trailers, according to the staff report. The accompanying convenience store would measure 6,000 square feet.
"Based on the above exploration of the county’s mission to protect the exact land uses of this parcel and the surrounding area from premature urbanization and uses incompatible with rural and agricultural uses, especially in light of the two existing smaller gas stations at this same intersection, which are already supporting this area with this exact use, and the heightened controls on development of properties like this within the Farmland Preservation Area, the proposed rezoning application is incompatible with the existing and future surrounding land uses," staff wrote.
Multiple traffic safety concerns
Staff notes that there is a large hill just south of the intersection that impedes northbound drivers' ability to see if vehicles are backed up at the intersection.
"From September 8, 2018, to September 14, 2023 (roughly 5 years), there have been 268 crashes within a ½ mile of this intersection," the staff report says. "Of those 268 crashes, 100 resulted in injury, 8 resulted in serious injury, and there was 1 fatality. Also worth noting, is that of those 268 crashes, only 1 was alcohol-related."
And the junction known as "the split" — where U.S. 441 and U.S. 301 split — "has been recognized by the Florida Department of Transportation as having a deficient divergent-convergent design," staff writes. "This intersection has been of significant concern due to the high frequency of crashes."
The report continues: "Staff’s position is that the potential negative development at this location could potentially create additional impediment to freight traffic on the corridor. Further, N US Hwy 301 is recognized as an at-grade corridor for the FDOT’s Strategic Intramodal System, therefore maintaining freight traffic is of the utmost importance, and the risk presented by creating more points of conflict at an already impacted area severely outweighs the benefits provided by the addition of the proposed project."
Utility concerns
Staff notes that the land sits outside the Urban Growth Boundary and is outside the current service area of Marion County Utilities. As a result, for water and sewer service, the Florida Department of Health's involvement would be needed.
"In summation, staff finds that the impacts on the surrounding roadways and lack of available centralized water and sewer infrastructure are significant enough concerns that the proposed zoning change will adversely affect the public interest," the report says.
Future considerations
Staff notes that a zoning change would apply to the land in question, not to the RaceTrac project specifically.
"This means that should this rezoning application be approved, all permitted uses would be allowed at the maximum development of 0.30 Floor Area Ratio," the report says. "At 11 acres, the maximum development is 143,748 GSF of commercial development. This could be several gas stations, restaurants, offices, and more as allowed in the RC-1 zoning classification."
Community opposition
Bernie Little, who owns land in the Farmland Preservation Area and is president of Horse Farms Forever, wrote a letter to county staff strongly objecting to the proposed zoning change.
"A truck stop does not preserve, protect, support, and enhance the rural, equestrian, and farmland character of the Farmland Preservation Area as required for any zoning change in the Farmland Preservation Area, and no amount of fancy talk can make it," he wrote. He later called RaceTrac's move "a shenanigan."
The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association and many residents also sent the county letters in opposition to the request for zoning change.
Look to the west
County staff said a more suitable location would be less than 3 miles west, at an existing Rural Activity Center on CR 329. There is plenty of room there, the report says.
There is no indication of a market need for a third gas station at the CR 329/U.S. 441 intersection, the report says. Rather, the proposed use would be a textbook example of urban sprawl, which Florida statute defines as “a development pattern characterized by low density, automobile-dependent development with either a single use or multiple uses that are not functionally related, requiring the extension of public facilities and services in an inefficient manner, and failing to provide a clear separation between urban and rural uses.”
jross@gannett.com
School grades: Marion has 3 A schools and is 1 point shy of becoming a B district
Joe Callahanhttps://www.ocala.com/story/news/education/2022/07/11/school-grades-marion-county-florida-include-3-rated-schools/10027129002/
Marion County Public Schools has slowed the COVID-19 slide, with three schools improving their letter grades, 32 others maintaining their grades and 13 dropping a grade when compared to 2019, before the pandemic struck.Marion, as a district, maintained its C grade, though it improved by 19 points and fell just 1 point shy of a B.There are 49 graded schools. One school, Forest High, did not receive a grade....
Marion County Public Schools has slowed the COVID-19 slide, with three schools improving their letter grades, 32 others maintaining their grades and 13 dropping a grade when compared to 2019, before the pandemic struck.
Marion, as a district, maintained its C grade, though it improved by 19 points and fell just 1 point shy of a B.
There are 49 graded schools. One school, Forest High, did not receive a grade.
2021: In FSA results, Marion's COVID-19 slide not as bad as the state average
2021:Marion County district requests grades for 11 of 47 schools
Marion County Public Schools improved in seven of 11 categories counted toward this year's school grades.
Most all school districts in Florida saw a slide in scores due to COVID-19, which led the state to switch to online-only learning for the last nine weeks of the 2019-20 school year. COVID-19 also disrupted school learning in 2020-21 and again in 2021-22.
Last year, only 11 local schools opted to get a grade from the state Department of Education. Looking at the point totals that schools earn for proficiency and learning gains, a district data review shows 12 schools improved a letter grade since 2021, said district spokesman Kevin Christian.
When comparing pre-pandemic 2019 data to the 2022 data, 70% of all schools maintained their grade or improved. That is an honorable feat considering the disruption of learning caused by the pandemic during the past 30 months, officials noted.
Many schools improved their proficiency and learning gains, even if it wasn't enough to raise the school letter grade.
For example, a school could have earned the minimum number of points for a C grade in 2021, and then a year later was a few points shy of earning a B grade. The school raised its points by almost a full letter grade but remained a C.
"Most people would look at a letter grade, but there's far more definition when you look at the points (that schools earn for proficiency and learning gains) because it doesn't necessarily show the growth if the letter grade doesn't change," Christian said.
School board Chairman Eric Cummings agreed, stating schools are showing progress. Cummings said the improvement is a testament to many.
"This is a product of the hard work of all the people in the district and the parents and the students working together, trying to make sure that we maintain some sense of normalcy," Cummings noted.
Marion may end up becoming a B district once one school's data is rectified.
1 school did not get grade because not enough students were tested
Forest was given an “I” for incomplete. The state ruled that only 94% of Forest students were tested, just shy of the state's 95% requirement, according to the school district's press release.
The district has 30 days to appeal. District administrators will immediately review and analyze student data for any discrepancies. If necessary, the district will provide additional information representing the academic progress of the school.
"If the commissioner of education determines, based on analyses, the performance data for the school is representative of the school’s progress, the commissioner will release the school grade at the end of the appeals period," a district release states.
Cummings said: "I believe we will end up being a B district."
Population boom:Over 10,000 new people in Marion County in 2 years. How quickly can we build new schools?
Property values:Boom! Marion County property value hits record $28.01 billion, up 14.02% in just one year
School scores:Marion sees slight improvement overall, but more work needed
Here is Marion's grade breakdown: A schools, 3; B schools, 10; C schools, 32; D schools, 2. McIntosh Area School, which received the district's only F grade, dropped two letter grades since 2019.
Some schools once on state watch list maintained C grades
Oakcrest Elementary School maintained a C grade for the second year in a row, improving its point total by 50 over last year. Oakcrest was among 11 Marion schools that received a grade in 2021. Oakcrest had a D grade in 2019.
Sparr Elementary School, one of the 11 schools that received grades in 2021, held its B grade for the second straight year for the first time in a decade. Sparr had a C grade in 2019.
Had all MCPS schools opted for a letter grade last year, the number of D graded schools would have been 11 and this year there are only two, according to the district's press release. Those D schools are East Marion Elementary and Lake Weir Middle.
Statewide, there are 14 A districts, 35 B districts, 16 C districts, and 2 I districts on this year’s report card.
Joe Callahan can be reached at (352) 817-1750 or at joe.callahan@starbanner.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeOcalaNews.
Report card
(The 2022 grade is compared to the grade in the pre-pandemic 2019 year.)
Elementary
School;2022;2019
Anthony;B;C
Belleview;C;C
Belleview-Santos;C;C
College Park;C;C
Dr. N.H. Jones;A;A
Dunnellon;C;B
East Marion;D;C
Eighth Street;A;A
Emerald Shores;C;C
Fessenden;C;C
Greenway;C;C
Hammett Bowen;B;B
Harbour View;C;C
Legacy;C;C
Madison Street;A;A
Maplewood;C;C
Marion Oaks;C;C
Oakcrest;C;D
Ocala Springs;C;C
Reddick-Collier;C;C
Romeo;C;B
Saddlewood;B;B
Shady Hill;B;B
South Ocala;C;B
Sparr;B;C
Stanton-Weirsdale;C;C
Sunrise;B;C
Ward-Highlands;B;B
Wyomina Park;C;C
Middle
School;2022;2019
Belleview;C;B
Dunnellon;C;C
Fort King;C;B
Howard;C;B
Lake Weir;D;C
Liberty Middle;C;C
North Marion;C;C
Osceola;B;A
High
School;2022;2019
Belleview;C;B
Dunnellon;C;C
Forest;I*;B
Lake Weir;C;C
North Marion;C;C
Vanguard;C;B
West Port;B;B
Hybrid School
School;2022;2019
Fort McCoy;C;C
Horizon Academy;C;C
Charter
School;2022;2019
Marion Charter;B;B
McIntosh;F;C
Ocali;C;C
*Only 94% of school students were tested and state requires 95%.
DeSantis announces 3 proposed initiatives aimed at Florida teacher recruitment, retention
Jada Williamshttps://www.abcactionnews.com/news/state/desantis-announces-3-proposed-initiatives-aimed-at-florida-teacher-recruitment-retention
NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced three initiatives aimed at recruiting and retaining teachers in Florida, which will be proposed during the next legislative session.DeSantis said the initiatives include:RECOMMENDED: DeSantis announced the proposals from River Ridge High School in New Port Richey.Pasco County Schools entered the first week of classes with 350 teacher vacancies. Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said one week later, 195 openings remain."...
NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced three initiatives aimed at recruiting and retaining teachers in Florida, which will be proposed during the next legislative session.
DeSantis said the initiatives include:
RECOMMENDED:
DeSantis announced the proposals from River Ridge High School in New Port Richey.
Pasco County Schools entered the first week of classes with 350 teacher vacancies. Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said one week later, 195 openings remain.
"Which is much better, not as good as where we were this time last year," he said. "I believe that the initiatives that the governor is proposing today will go a very long way to helping us recruit and retain great teachers in Pasco classrooms."
Hillsborough Classroom Teacher's Association President Rob Kriete said the governor's plans are focused in the wrong direction.
"We love our veterans, and we love our first responders. We would argue that our teachers and support professionals are already first responders, doing what they can for our students every single day and that they need to be paid what they deserve," said Kriete.
Kriete said Hillsborough County is down roughly 900 teachers. He said the key to get them back is better pay and more time to focus on their job.
"The job is more difficult than ever before. I mean, the mental health challenges that students are exhibiting puts more pressure on our employees, our teachers, and support professionals," he added. "Those that are actually working in the schools are working wall to wall. They're not getting a period off where they could actually work on their lesson plans or grade papers. They're exhausted, so people are leaving the field."
Kriete said the answer isn't to borrow workers from other professions.
"We train teachers through the programs that we have in the district, through the state certifications, and quite frankly, through our universities to get prepared for that. Whether that is in how we operate our classroom, how we design our lessons, and how we actually diagnose and help each student in the classroom. That's much more nuanced and difficult than maybe the governor actually understands," Kriete added.
Florida Education Association President Andrew Sparr mirrored Kriete's sentiments and said this announcement is too little, too late.
"What the governor should be talking about is instead of waiting till the next legislative session, he should be talking about what he's going to do today," Sparr said.
Sparr agreed teacher pay is a high priority. Florida ranks 48th in the nation for teacher pay.
But DeSantis said his administration has taken great strides to increase pay.
"We have done the largest teacher pay increases in the history of Florida over the last two to three years. And we focused a lot of that on increasing the average minimum salary across the state of Florida. Three years ago, it was barely $40,000. Now with the budget we just enacted, the average minimum salary throughout the state will be over $48,000," DeSantis said.
"In 2010, the average teacher pay ranked 36th in the nation. Today we rank 48th. While average teacher pay ranks 48th in the nation, beginning teacher pay has actually gone up to 16 in the nation, which means he's literally taken money out of the pockets of experienced teachers and giving it to those just coming into the profession," said Sparr.
Florida's 2023 legislative session starts on March 7.
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