Madison County School District
Preparing Students for Career, College and Community
The Madison County School District was informed this morning of the arrest of a teacher currently employed at Madison County Central School. The arrest follows allegations of child abuse involving a 6-year-old student.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is the lead agency in this active and ongoing criminal investigation. The District is cooperating fully with law enforcement to ensure a thorough inquiry into the matter.
Upon notification of the allegations, the District took immediate action in accordance with board policy and state law:
• The employee has been placed on Administrative Leave pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigations.
• The individual is prohibited from entering any district property or contacting students and staff during this period.
• District counselors are being made available at Madison County Central School to provide support for students, families, and staff members affected by this news.
• Parents of students that may have witnessed the alleged abuse have been notified by the administration of Madison County Central School.
Statement from Superintendent Dr. Karen Pickles:
"The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priorities. We take any allegation of misconduct with the utmost seriousness. While we must respect the legal process and the ongoing investigation by the Sheriff’s Office, we are committed to transparency and maintaining a safe learning environment for every child in our care."
Because this is an active investigation involving a minor and personnel matters, the District is unable to provide further specific details at this time. All inquiries regarding the criminal charges or the arrest should be directed to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
The Madison County School District remains dedicated to the protection of its students and will continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure justice and safety are upheld.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is the lead agency in this active and ongoing criminal investigation. The District is cooperating fully with law enforcement to ensure a thorough inquiry into the matter.
Upon notification of the allegations, the District took immediate action in accordance with board policy and state law:
• The employee has been placed on Administrative Leave pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigations.
• The individual is prohibited from entering any district property or contacting students and staff during this period.
• District counselors are being made available at Madison County Central School to provide support for students, families, and staff members affected by this news.
• Parents of students that may have witnessed the alleged abuse have been notified by the administration of Madison County Central School.
Statement from Superintendent Dr. Karen Pickles:
"The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priorities. We take any allegation of misconduct with the utmost seriousness. While we must respect the legal process and the ongoing investigation by the Sheriff’s Office, we are committed to transparency and maintaining a safe learning environment for every child in our care."
Because this is an active investigation involving a minor and personnel matters, the District is unable to provide further specific details at this time. All inquiries regarding the criminal charges or the arrest should be directed to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
The Madison County School District remains dedicated to the protection of its students and will continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure justice and safety are upheld.
We cordially invite everyone to the Madison County Adult Education Graduation Ceremony
When: Thursday May 14th, 2026
TIme: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Madison County High School Gym
When: Thursday May 14th, 2026
TIme: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Madison County High School Gym
Bus #140 that services the 53 south route will be running late this morning due to a maintenance issue. Transportation is aware of the situation and another bus is enroute to pick up the students.
Anastasios Kamoutsas, Commissioner of Education
From Commissioner Kamoutsa,
As we approach the PM3 testing window and the end of the school year, please see my latest Commissioner’s message.
Please encourage your students to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and put forth their best effort to finish the school year strong.
We are thrilled that our students have the opportunity to show all that they have learned this year!
As we approach the PM3 testing window and the end of the school year, please see my latest Commissioner’s message.
Sincerely,
Anastasios Kamoutsas
Commissioner of Education
Just a reminder of our V Pre-K open house on Wednesday April 22nd from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Madison County ESE Annex (Old Head Start building)
📣 Attention Madison County Athletes! 📣
Get your game face on!
It is time for the Annual Free Sports Physicals event. Whether you are aiming for a touchdown, a home run, or a personal best, we want to make sure you are cleared and ready for action.
🗓️ Event Details
Who: Open to all Madison County School District and Madison Charter School students in **grades 5-12**.
When: Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Madison County Central School, Front office building.
🩺 What’s Included?
Thanks to the FSU College of Medicine, Who We Play For, and our local health partners, we are providing:
Free Sports Physicals
Free Electrocardiograms (EKGs)
Important Note on EKGs: Students entering 6th and 9th grade are required to have an EKG to participate in school sports.
For all other grades, EKGs are optional but available!
📝 How to Prepare:
Don't get sidelined by paperwork! Follow these steps for a smooth experience:
1. Grab Your Packet: Sports physical packets are available right now from your coach or school secretary.
2. Use a Pen: All forms must be completed in ink.
3. Signatures are Key: Ensure all required student and parent/guardian signatures are in place before you arrive.
4. Fast Track: Having your pages fully completed when you walk through the door means faster service for you!
We can't wait to see our Madison County stars there. Let’s make this a healthy and successful season! 🏀⚽️🏈
💜 TOMORROW IS PURPLE UP! DAY! 💜
Calling all students, parents, and staff! Tomorrow, April 15, 2026, we’re turning our school purple to show our gratitude for our amazing military-connected students and their families.
Why Purple? It’s the perfect blend of all military branches! It combines:
Army green 🪖
Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, and Space Force blue ⚓️✈️🚀
Marine Corps red 🌎
Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Education have officially recognized the incredible sacrifices and courage of our military families, and now it’s our turn to show up loud and proud!
How to Participate:
1. Wear Purple: Grab that purple shirt, hat, or even socks!
2. Spread the Word: Let’s make sure every military child in our community feels the love.
3. Learn More: Check out the official Purple UP! website for toolkits and more info.
Let’s see a sea of purple in the hallways tomorrow! 💜✨
#PurpleUp #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild #SupportOurTroops #FloridaEducation #MilitaryKidsRock
ESE VPRE-K Open House :
When: Wednesday April 22 and Thursday April 23
Time: 9:00 am until 3:00 pm
Location: Madison County Central School
Remember to bring the following items with you:
a) Proof of Address
b) Birth certificate
c) Social Security Card
d) Updated shot and physical card
e) ID/Drivers License
For more information call 850-973-5192 or email: amara.jackson@mcsbfl.us / laura.singletary@mcsbfl.us
When: Wednesday April 22 and Thursday April 23
Time: 9:00 am until 3:00 pm
Location: Madison County Central School
Remember to bring the following items with you:
a) Proof of Address
b) Birth certificate
c) Social Security Card
d) Updated shot and physical card
e) ID/Drivers License
For more information call 850-973-5192 or email: amara.jackson@mcsbfl.us / laura.singletary@mcsbfl.us
‼️Attention Students, Parent(s), and Guardian(s) of Madison County! ‼️
The FSU Upward Bound Program (Madison County) is now accepting applications for new participants. We are looking for highly motivated, college-bound high school students in grades 10th and 11th who attend Madison County High School.
Our FREE six-week Summer Academy is quickly approaching. Apply before it's too late! 🤗🤗
Do you know someone who would be interested in this fantastic opportunity? Please share!
The FSU Upward Bound Program (Madison County) is now accepting applications for new participants. We are looking for highly motivated, college-bound high school students in grades 10th and 11th who attend Madison County High School.
Our FREE six-week Summer Academy is quickly approaching. Apply before it's too late! 🤗🤗
Do you know someone who would be interested in this fantastic opportunity? Please share!
The 2025-26 ESE Parent Survey is active and will remain open throughout the 2025-26 school year. Submissions are processed in real time and results can be viewed through the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) Parent Survey dashboard. We invite all parents and guardians to share their feedback and help shape the future of the ESE program.
Parents should complete the electronic ESE Parent Survey, which is available in 10 languages, or the paper-based ESE Parent Survey, whichever is most convenient for them. The Spanish and Haitian Creole versions can be found at ESE Parent Survey.
The survey is open to parents of children with an individual educational plan (IEP) receiving ESE services from preschool to grade 12 (excluding gifted services). Students with disabilities ages 18 and up are also encouraged to participate. Quick and easy to complete, the ESE Parent Survey helps ensure districts meet their 2025-26 target response rates.
The Madison County School District is issuing this statement to inform parents and the community of an incident that occurred earlier today. Through the swift actions of our staff and law enforcement, a weapon was successfully removed from campus grounds without incident.
At approximately 11:45 AM, School Resource Deputies (SRDs) received a report concerning a student potentially in possession of a weapon. Following an immediate investigation and interview, a handgun was located inside a locked vehicle parked on the school campus.
Key Details of the Incident:
1. Response: School Resource Deputies acted immediately upon receiving the tip.
2. Outcome: The weapon was secured from a locked vehicle; no students or staff were harmed.
3. Continuity: The school campus remained secure, and daily operations continued under the supervision of law enforcement and administration.
"Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff," said Dr. Karen Pickles,Superintendent of Madison County Schools. "We are grateful for the individuals who spoke up today. This is a testament to the fact that our safety protocols and 'See Something, Say Something' culture are working effectively to protect our schools."
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is currently handling the ongoing investigation. The school district is cooperating fully with law enforcement and will follow all district policies and state laws regarding student discipline and campus safety.
We encourage parents to use this opportunity to talk with their children about the importance of reporting any suspicious activity or safety concerns to a trusted adult or through the FortifyFL reporting app.
At approximately 11:45 AM, School Resource Deputies (SRDs) received a report concerning a student potentially in possession of a weapon. Following an immediate investigation and interview, a handgun was located inside a locked vehicle parked on the school campus.
Key Details of the Incident:
1. Response: School Resource Deputies acted immediately upon receiving the tip.
2. Outcome: The weapon was secured from a locked vehicle; no students or staff were harmed.
3. Continuity: The school campus remained secure, and daily operations continued under the supervision of law enforcement and administration.
"Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff," said Dr. Karen Pickles,Superintendent of Madison County Schools. "We are grateful for the individuals who spoke up today. This is a testament to the fact that our safety protocols and 'See Something, Say Something' culture are working effectively to protect our schools."
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is currently handling the ongoing investigation. The school district is cooperating fully with law enforcement and will follow all district policies and state laws regarding student discipline and campus safety.
We encourage parents to use this opportunity to talk with their children about the importance of reporting any suspicious activity or safety concerns to a trusted adult or through the FortifyFL reporting app.
MCHS JV & Varsity Cheerleader Tryouts
Monday - Friday
Dates: April 20 - 24
(no Tryout Practice Wed., April 22)
Times: 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Location: MCHS Gym
MANDATORY Pre-Tryout Meeting
(You MUST attend this meeting in order to be able to try out. Any exception to this MUST be approved by Mrs. Latner before the Meeting. If you do not attend this meeting, you will NOT be allowed to try out.)
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Time: 3:15
Location: MCHS Gym
***** You Must have a current physical on file with Mrs. Latner before you may participate in Tryouts. *****
Florida Prepaid open enrollment for 2026
We’re excited to kick off another incredible Open Enrollment season, with plan prices starting as low as $29 a month, giving Florida families the chance to lock in future postsecondary education costs at today’s rates.
This enrollment season also introduces a simplified plan structure for Prepaid Tuition plans and an enhanced online enrollment experience for Prepaid Tuition and Dormitory Plans—making it easier than ever for families to choose the option that fits their budget and goals.
Visit My Florida Prepay for more infomation and to enroll.
Updated Religious expression statement from Chancellor Anastasios Kamoutsas. Please see the full document for full statement
Tech Troubles Disrupt This Morning’s Special Board Meeting Stream
If you tuned in to our live stream this morning expecting a front-row seat to the Special Board Meeting, you likely encountered more "buffering" than business.
We want to clarify that all District systems, hardware, and internet connections were fully operational. Unfortunately, the broadcast faced significant hurdles due to technical issues within the YouTube platform itself, which were entirely outside of the District's control.
What Happened?
Despite our team's best efforts to broadcast a stable feed, the platform experienced the following glitches:
Visual Blackout: For the majority of the meeting, YouTube's platform issues prevented the live feed from reaching viewers.
Audio Issues: Once the video connection was finally stabilized by the platform, a secondary YouTube glitch caused the audio function to fail.
Limited Access: The stream only became fully functional (with both clear video and audio) for approximately 10 minutes of the session.
We Value Transparency
We know how important it is for our community to stay informed. Because our internal recording systems remained functional throughout the duration of the meeting, we are working to ensure a complete and uninterrupted version is made available as soon as possible.
Our Commitment:
While we cannot control third-party platform stability, we are currently reviewing alternative streaming backups to ensure you always have a reliable window into our meetings.
Thank you for your patience and for sticking with us through these external technical hiccups!
NOTICE: VENUE CHANGE (2nd Posting)
The School Board of Madison County has relocated the Special scheduled School board meeting on March 9, 2026 at 6:00pm.
The meeting will be held in the Gymnasium located at 2649 West US Hwy 90, Madison, Florida.
Posted in the District Office and online At www.madison.k12.fl.us
March 5, 2026
The School Board of Madison County has relocated the Special scheduled School board meeting on March 9, 2026 at 6:00pm.
The meeting will be held in the Gymnasium located at 2649 West US Hwy 90, Madison, Florida.
Posted in the District Office and online At www.madison.k12.fl.us
March 5, 2026
⏰ **Reminder: Daylight Saving Time Begins This Weekend!** ⏰
Madison County School District families, please remember to set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed tonight. Daylight Saving Time officially begins tomorrow, **Sunday, March 8th**, at 2:00 AM.
While most smartphones and digital devices will update automatically, don't forget to adjust your traditional clocks, watches, and household appliances.
**A couple of quick weekend reminders:**
* Please ensure your family is adjusted to the time change so students arrive on time for school on Monday morning.
* The start of Daylight Saving Time is also the perfect time to test your home's smoke detectors and replace the batteries if needed.
We look forward to seeing all of our students and staff ready for a great week on Monday! Have a wonderful and safe weekend. 🏫☀️
Madison County School District families, please remember to set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed tonight. Daylight Saving Time officially begins tomorrow, **Sunday, March 8th**, at 2:00 AM.
While most smartphones and digital devices will update automatically, don't forget to adjust your traditional clocks, watches, and household appliances.
**A couple of quick weekend reminders:**
* Please ensure your family is adjusted to the time change so students arrive on time for school on Monday morning.
* The start of Daylight Saving Time is also the perfect time to test your home's smoke detectors and replace the batteries if needed.
We look forward to seeing all of our students and staff ready for a great week on Monday! Have a wonderful and safe weekend. 🏫☀️
📣 **Madison County School District Parents!** 📣
Please take a quick moment to log into Skyward and make sure your contact information is up to date—address, phone numbers, and email. ✅
Accurate info helps us keep you informed about important school updates, emergencies, and student information as well as connects you to the Madison County School District App and ROOMS, the one to one communication tool for the district that conects you to your students teacher..
It only takes a minute and makes a BIG difference!
Thank you for partnering with us to support our students! 💙📚
Please take a quick moment to log into Skyward and make sure your contact information is up to date—address, phone numbers, and email. ✅
Accurate info helps us keep you informed about important school updates, emergencies, and student information as well as connects you to the Madison County School District App and ROOMS, the one to one communication tool for the district that conects you to your students teacher..
It only takes a minute and makes a BIG difference!
Thank you for partnering with us to support our students! 💙📚
NOTICE: VENUE CHANGE (1st Posting)
The School Board of Madison County has relocated the Special scheduled School board meeting on March 9, 2026 at 6:00pm.
The meeting will be held in the Gymnasium located at 2649 West US Hwy 90, Madison, Florida.
Posted in the District Office and online At www.madison.k12.fl.us
March 5, 2026
The School Board of Madison County has relocated the Special scheduled School board meeting on March 9, 2026 at 6:00pm.
The meeting will be held in the Gymnasium located at 2649 West US Hwy 90, Madison, Florida.
Posted in the District Office and online At www.madison.k12.fl.us
March 5, 2026
NOTICE OF VENUE CHANGE: (2nd Public Notice)
The School Board of Madison County has relocated the regularly scheduled School board meeting on March 2, 2026– School Board Meeting.
The meeting will be held in the Gymnasium located at 2649 West US Hwy 90, Madison, Florida starting at 6:00 p.m. Doors will open to the public at 5:30 p.m.
Posted in the District Office and online
At www.madison.k12.fl.us
February 27, 2026
In accordance with State and Federal law, the district will provide reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities who wish to attend and/or participate in school events. Such individuals should notify the Superintendent if they require a reasonable accommodation.
Also, 2nd notice of tonight's event:
In the interest of public safety, tonight's board meeting will utilize our normal “Clear Bag” policy for large events. This policy intends to enhance security measures and provide a safer experience for all in attendance.
Clear Bag Policy
Attendees are encouraged to bring bags only if necessary. Large bags are not permitted.
The following bags are permitted, but subject to search:
• Clear plastic bag or purse that does not exceed 12” by 6” by 12”.
• Clutch or small purse (with or without a strap), no larger than 6.5” by 4.5”.
• Equipment bag for necessary medical items.
• Diaper bag for age-appropriate children accompanied by an adult.
• Seat Cushion (subject to inspection)
Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to large purses, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, mesh bags, or any bag larger than the permissible size.