ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. \u2013 As Orange County Public Schools faces declining enrollment, a budget shortfall, and school closures, parents say the district\u2019s next superintendent will play an important role in shaping its future.<\/p>\n
The Orange County School Board is expected to provide an update on its search for a new superintendent during a meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The search comes after current Superintendent Dr. Maria Vasquez announced her retirement, concluding a 35-year career in education.<\/p>\n
Parents who spoke with News 6 said they hope the district\u2019s next leader will prioritize student enrollment, strengthen support for public schools and address classroom needs.<\/p>\n
Christy Noone, a parent of two children at Audubon Park Elementary School, said she is happy with her children\u2019s school but believes the district as a whole has room for improvement.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would hope that the new superintendent would have a focus on student enrollment,\u201d Noone said.<\/p>\n
Orange County Public Schools reported more than 7,600 fewer students this school year compared with the previous year. The decline resulted in an estimated $23 million loss in funding for the district during the current fiscal year.<\/p>\n
Noone said reversing that trend will require community involvement and support.<\/p>\n
\u201cDefinitely need to drive the numbers back up and have advocacy for the public school system,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She acknowledged that addressing the district\u2019s challenges will take time and cooperation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s going to be a very big feat to conquer,\u201d Noone said. \u201cIt\u2019s really going to take a lot of community involvement and education and support for our public school systems.\u201d<\/p>\n
Parents also raised questions about classroom resources, including the use of artificial intelligence in education and student-to-teacher ratios.<\/p>\n
The Florida Board of Education approved statewide rules governing artificial intelligence in schools, including provisions allowing parents to opt out of its use.<\/p>\n
Bibiana Iacutone, whose child attends Hillcrest Elementary School, said she wants students to continue developing traditional learning skills as technology becomes more prevalent.<\/p>\n
\u201cNever forget the books because most of the people, everything now looking ChatGPT,\u201d Iacutone said.<\/p>\n
Iacutone said her child is one of 19 students in the classroom and believes an additional teacher could be beneficial.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe another teacher could be good,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The school board\u2019s update is expected to provide more information about the search for Vasquez\u2019s successor as the district continues to navigate enrollment and budget challenges.<\/p>\n
Parents say they hope the next superintendent will work with the community to strengthen public education and address the needs of students and teachers.<\/p>\n
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