ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Public Schools is considering significant changes to seven schools as enrollment declines.
Tonight, parents at Union Park Middle School, one of the schools on the closure list, will have a chance to share their concerns and learn more about the process.
“It’s too many kids in this neighborhood for this school to be closing down,” parent Dehavellin Williams told News 6.
[PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘Potential use’ plans unveiled for 7 Orange County schools up for closure]
The district reports a 4% drop in enrollment over the past three years, which translates to nearly 10,000 fewer students. This decline has made it too costly to keep all schools open.
Union Park Middle School parents are struggling to process the possibility of their school closing.
[PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Orange County school district moves forward with possible closure of 7 schools]
One parent said, “We live right across the street, so that moving to another school would be big. My other son goes to Union Park Elementary. He’s supposed to come here next year. So, I was looking forward to having them in the same school.”
Transportation and program availability are additional worries.
[PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Parents voice concerns over Orange County school closure]
“I would have to get a bus system or figure out how to get him here to and from in the morning. And I don’t know what the programs are before and after school programs that other schools have,” Jasmine, a parent, said.
The consolidation plan aims to save money by closing Union Park Middle School along with Bonneville Elementary, Chickasaw Elementary, Orla Vista Elementary, Eccleston Elementary, Meadow Woods Elementary and McCoy Elementary.
Parents plan to attend tonight’s community meeting to understand the potential impact.
“I need to know what the changes are and how it’s going to impact my son. Like I need to know everything that’s going on,” Williams said.
The meeting will be held tonight at Union Park Middle School from 6-7 p.m. Six more meetings are scheduled over the next week at other schools facing possible closure.
Community Meeting Locations:
| Meeting Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Union Park Middle School1844 Westfall Dr. | Orlando, FL 32817-4202 | January 14, 2026 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. |
| Bonneville Elementary School14700 Sussex Dr. | Orlando, FL 32826-3833 | January 15, 2026 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. |
| Orlo Vista Elementary School3 N Hastings St. | Orlando, FL 32835-1441 | January 15, 2026 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. |
| Chickasaw Elementary School6900 Autumnvale Dr. | Orlando, FL 32822-4680 | January 21, 2026 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. |
| Eccleston Elementary School1500 Aaron Ave. | Orlando, FL 32811-4114 | January 21, 2026 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. |
| McCoy Elementary School5225 S Semoran Blvd. | Orlando, FL 32822-1732 | January 22, 2026 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. |
| Meadow Woods Elementary School500 Rhode Island Woods Cir. | Orlando, FL 32824-9375 | January 22, 2026 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. |
After the community meetings, the School Board will hold another work session at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27. For more information on the rezoning timeline, visit the OCPS website.