ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 A big decision is coming for families at one Central Florida elementary school. Parents at Orange Center Elementary are being asked to vote on whether to keep the school as a traditional public school or convert it into a charter. <\/p>\n
Supporters say the change could bring more programs and more time in the classroom, while others are still weighing their options.<\/p>\n
Public school or charter school \u2014 that\u2019s the decision several Orange Center Elementary parents will soon make. One parent, Autiionna Hogues, says she already knows how she plans to vote.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy decision is going to be yes because I don\u2019t want to send my kids anywhere else,\u201d Hogues said.<\/p>\n
Orange County Public Schools sent ballots to parents this week, asking them to choose whether Orange Center Elementary will remain the same or convert into a charter school. Unlike a School of Hope, if approved, the school would still be tuition-free and operate with a school zone, similar to a traditional public school. OCPS and Lift Orlando would also work together as partners.<\/p>\n
Another parent, Unique Brooks, says the proposed changes could help families like hers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe extra hour of school \u2014 as a working parent \u2014 that\u2019s very beneficial for me,\u201d Brooks said. \u201cI\u2019m also looking forward to the summer school programs they\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
The vote comes just weeks after a charter school six minutes down the road \u2014 Legends Academy \u2014 permanently closed, displacing more than 200 students due to unsustainable financial challenges. Orange Center Elementary Principal Erin Albert says that situation would not happen here. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no way for that to happen because there are safeguards in place,\u201d Albert said.<\/p>\n
Albert explained that accountability measures would remain in effect even if the school becomes a charter. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur board, our advisory committee, and having the partnership with OCPS will hold us accountable,\u201d she said. \u201cThere will also be a five-year review of the school\u2019s performance.\u201d<\/p>\n
During a Friday night vision board meeting, several parents shared ideas and questions about what the future of the school could look like. Hogues questioned whether students would have access to the same extracurriculars as other public schools. <\/p>\n
\u201cPublic schools now have their drama, theater, and sports,\u201d she said. \u201cThey have different things \u2014 so are we going to have that as well?\u201d<\/p>\n
Brooks said the plan includes a broader academic focus. \u201cThey\u2019re adding arts,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s not going to be just STEM \u2014 it\u2019s going to be a STEAM program.\u201d<\/p>\n
Voting begins Monday, and the results are expected to be announced Jan. 22.<\/p>\n
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