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Friday, March 29, 2024

Governor appoints retired business owner Donald Browning to Marion County School Board vacancy

Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed retired business owner Donald Browning to the Marion County School Board seat that was vacated by Beth McCall earlier this year.

The announcement came from the Governor’s office on Monday, August 30. Browning will take over the District 2 seat.

Governor appoints retired business owner Donald Browning to Marion County School Board vacancy
Donald Browning will take over the District 2 seat on the Marion County School Board that was vacated by Beth McCall in June

According to the release, Browning is the retired Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Browning Forms and Systems, Inc.

Browning will take over a seat vacated by McCall, who submitted her resignation letter to Governor Ron DeSantis during a Marion County School Board workshop on Thursday, June 3.

“After working with our school board attorney and others to determine if there were options available for me to finish my term, the statute is clear. I must reside in the district I serve,” said McCall in the June letter. McCall went on to explain that although there would have been alternative options available, they were contrary to her values.

According to the Governor’s announcement, Browning served in and received an honorable discharge from the United States Navy. He has previously served on the Winter Springs City Council, Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the Florida Juvenile Justice Association, according to the release. He has also volunteered his time with the Florida Sheriff’s Association, Kiwanis Club of Marion County, Ocala Lions Club and the Marion County Domestic Violence Fund.

Marion County School Board members earn a salary of $42,101 with benefits each year.