Parents of kids at one Orlando elementary school have a unique chance to vote to convert the school to a charter this week.Ballots were mailed to families last week asking whether they want to transform Orange Center Elementary on Texas Avenue into a charter school. They can cast their votes all week and on Jan. 20. For the idea to pass, 50% of families must cast a vote and half must be in favor of conversion.The move comes as Orange County Public Schools has been looking to close a handful of low-enrollment schools and as the district faces the possibility that charter companies could take over space in its buildings. But in this case, the OCPS partnered with the nonprofit Lift Orlando on the plan.“We are asking for them to trust us in this new adventure,” said Eddie Moratin, president of Lift Orlando.Moratin says if the conversion is approved, families at the school would be able to take advantage of Lift’s resources, including early learning programs, family services, health initiatives and after-school programs.“Instead of a parent having to run all over town getting the support that they need for their family or their child, most everything of what they immediately need to succeed is right here, and it’s available in a way that feels so seamless,” Moratin said.The school would be open to all, but priority would be given to students who are zoned for Orange Center Elementary.The school would be operated by a group called Neighborhood Schools Initiative, composed of parents, teachers and community leaders. The votes will be counted in a public meeting at the school on Jan. 22.

ORLANDO, Fla. —

Parents of kids at one Orlando elementary school have a unique chance to vote to convert the school to a charter this week.

Ballots were mailed to families last week asking whether they want to transform Orange Center Elementary on Texas Avenue into a charter school.

They can cast their votes all week and on Jan. 20.

For the idea to pass, 50% of families must cast a vote and half must be in favor of conversion.

The move comes as Orange County Public Schools has been looking to close a handful of low-enrollment schools and as the district faces the possibility that charter companies could take over space in its buildings.

But in this case, the OCPS partnered with the nonprofit Lift Orlando on the plan.

“We are asking for them to trust us in this new adventure,” said Eddie Moratin, president of Lift Orlando.

Moratin says if the conversion is approved, families at the school would be able to take advantage of Lift’s resources, including early learning programs, family services, health initiatives and after-school programs.

“Instead of a parent having to run all over town getting the support that they need for their family or their child, most everything of what they immediately need to succeed is right here, and it’s available in a way that feels so seamless,” Moratin said.

The school would be open to all, but priority would be given to students who are zoned for Orange Center Elementary.

The school would be operated by a group called Neighborhood Schools Initiative, composed of parents, teachers and community leaders.

The votes will be counted in a public meeting at the school on Jan. 22.