Superintendent of Orange County schools sits down with WESH 2 to talk retirement after 35 years
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. —
Dr. Maria Vazquez, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools, announced earlier this week that she will retire at the end of the upcoming school year, concluding more than 30 years of service with the district.
In an exclusive interview, Vazquez became emotional when discussing her decision.
“I need a moment… it’s OK,” she said, fighting back tears.
Reflecting on her time with OCPS, she added, “You know it’s family. It’s such an incredible place.”
>> More: Orange County Superintendent Maria Vazquez announces retirement
Vazquez began her career with the district as a teacher and spoke about the dedication of her colleagues.
“Despite what’s going in their lives, they made a commitment to Orange County schools and the children we serve,” she said.
Time with family
She explained that her decision to retire was driven by a desire to spend more time with her family.
“Now it’s time to spend time with them. I have four beautiful grandchildren,” Vazquez said.
Challenges facing public education
Vazquez also reflected on the challenges facing public education, including funding issues, declining enrollment, competition, and difficulties with recruitment and retention.
“It’s about funding. Not being able to pay employees who pour themselves into our students,” she said. “Declining enrollment, competition, recruitment and retention.”
Despite these challenges, Vazquez expressed hope for innovation in education, envisioning collaboration between charter, private, home school programs, and public schools.
“It may look like a child spends some time in a traditional public school and then some of their time in another institution, with voucher dollars, that best meets the need of that child. So instead of an us against them, it’s an opportunity to bring people to the table,” she said.
Final school year
As she prepares for her final school year, Vazquez emphasized the importance of relationships and understanding within the district.
“I hope people remember me for the relationships,” she said. “I get how much you’re sacrificing to be part of our team and I value and I respect that. Kids are left here with us but they have stuff at home, our parents drop off our kids and there’s stuff going on with them. So instead of just judging I want us to be more understanding and value the people that make OCPS the great place it is.”