ORLANDO, Fla. – Orange County’s 2025 State of the Schools address was held Monday, with district leaders highlighting the importance of protecting public education.
During the address, School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs and Superintendent Maria Vazquez said Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) is expecting 3,000 fewer students in the fall.
With the decline in enrollment, the district is projected to receive a $27 million reduction in state funding.
[FLASHBACK VIDEO: What it takes to maintain schools in Orange County]
“It’s had a tremendous impact. At the district level, we’ve cut 2%,” Vazquez said. “We still have great needs and we have a duty and an obligation to serve our children who are in our public schools.”
Vazquez said a factor for the enrollment drop is families moving towards private or home education through Florida’s school voucher program.
“I believe in school choice. Parents have the right to choose, just properly fund it,” Vazquez said. “Don’t fund it on the backs of public education.”
The reduction in funding has also caused a slowdown in the construction of relief schools.
“We have slowed new construction, however, the capital program for all of our comprehensive needs, all of the renovations, that is in full force,” Vazquez said.
The district is celebrating an increase in graduation rate for the “A-rated” school district, as well as the success of several education programs.
[VIDEO BELOW: OCPS pauses new construction]
Vazquez said with the state’s policies undermining public education, a focus will be on the promotion of offerings within the district that meet the needs of each family.
“I want parents to know what’s being offered at our schools so they can make the very best choices for their children,” Vazquez said. “So that they know that Orange County Public Schools is an incredible place for all children to be able to learn and thrive.”