ORLANDO, Fla. – More than 200 positions are being eliminated at Orange County Public Schools as part of a districtwide effort to reduce spending amid declining enrollment and funding challenges.
The cuts stem from a 3% budget reduction at the district level. In an email from the district’s Deputy Superintendent to the Division of Learning, he notes over the past several years they have seen an enrollment decline, a trend that is expected to continue. Because of this they implied the reduction will eliminate over 200 positions.
Among the positions being cut are so-called “cadre”, which include certain administrative and leadership positions. Gallo said the district is consolidating some of those roles to save money.
“What we did, because we are trying to save money, is we eliminated a senior admin position and a principal leader position, and we had to then combine the cadres so we will have less cadres,” she said.
The district says some of the positions were not filled and the remaining responsibilities will be absorbed into existing teams. Noting, these district level cuts were made before any reductions occurred at a school level.
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The reductions come as the district continues to grapple with declining student enrollment and reduced funding — the same factors that led to the recent closure of seven schools within the district.
Just last week, the district also eliminated more than 100 “safe coordinator” positions, which focused on student mental health and violence prevention. Officials said those responsibilities will be reassigned to counselors and social workers mentioning how they overlapped. However, some students and parents have raised concerns.
“She (a safe coordinator) has been there for me during my lowest moments, and I’m not sure what I would do without her, honestly,” one student said of a school-based support staff member.
Gallo acknowledged concerns about the cuts but said the district is already spending beyond what the state provides for school safety.
“They come out of the SAFE school budget, and we already spend $16 million more than what the state allocates to us,” she said.
The deputy superintendent noted in the email, “They have built relationships, supported families, de-escalated crises, and served as trusted adults within our schools. Their contributions have been meaningful and deeply valued. The elimination of this position for next year is not a reflection of their value, their commitment, or our belief in the importance of student mental health. This decision is rooted in funding constraints.”
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District leaders say they are working to ensure students and families will not see disruptions in services despite the reductions.
“What I tell parents is we are doing everything we can to make sure you won’t see a hiccup — you won’t see anything different at school with your child,” Gallo said.
Because of the cuts and the district leaders mentioning how they expect a decline in enrollment to continue, News 6 asked Gallo if she thought more cuts would happen.
“I believe as enrollment declines, a bunch of restraints get tighter, and we will have to figure that out,” Gallo said.
Gallo says although the cuts were not a board decision but the Superintendents, they are all exploring ways to attract more families while maintaining student services, including potential partnerships with outside agencies.