ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. \u2013 Orange County Public Schools is moving forward with a plan that could result in the closure of seven schools as district leaders cite declining enrollment and rising operational costs.<\/p>\n
After several hours of discussion Tuesday night, the Orange County School Board agreed to direct district staff to begin drafting new school zoning maps for students who would be affected by the potential closures. The move follows a recommendation from Superintendent Maria Vazquez, who said the district can no longer afford to keep all campuses open amid shrinking enrollment.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday we were having a very difficult conversation,\u201d Vazquez told News 6. \u201cI know it\u2019s hard. It\u2019s hard for me and I\u2019m the superintendent. I want them to know that we are doing what we believe is best for the children and their opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n
District officials explained during a presentation that enrollment has dropped by about 4% over the past three years, a decline of nearly 10,000 students. Vazquez said the decrease has made it financially unsustainable to operate several schools at their current capacity.<\/p>\n
The proposal, referred to as a \u201cconsolidation\u201d plan, includes the possible closure of Union Park Middle School, Bonneville Elementary School, Chickasaw Elementary School, Orla Vista Elementary School, Eccleston Elementary School, Meadow Woods Elementary School and McCoy Elementary School.<\/p>\n
Board members said parents have expressed concern about why their schools were selected, but officials stressed the decisions are based solely on enrollment numbers, not academic performance.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of parents are asking why my school,\u201d said District 3 board member Alicia Farrant. \u201cThey feel like maybe their school\u2019s grade or maybe the culture. That\u2019s actually not at all why. It\u2019s really just the enrollment numbers are down.\u201d<\/p>\n
Farrant added that while the decision is difficult, district leaders must consider the broader community and financial responsibility.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a leader here in Orange County, we have to make these difficult decisions and do what is best for our community and be fiscally responsible as well,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The district cited several factors contributing to declining enrollment, including lower birth rates and more families choosing charter schools.<\/p>\n
District 1 board member Angie Gallo said the potential closures could allow students to attend schools with more resources and expanded academic programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sick to my stomach. I don\u2019t want to close schools,\u201d Gallo said. \u201cAll these schools deserve to stay open, every single one of them. But at some point we have to put students first.\u201d<\/p>\n
Orange County Public Schools said it will hold community meetings in affected neighborhoods in January to gather public input before any final decisions are made.<\/p>\n
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