ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Orange County Public Schools on Tuesday picked their next superintendent, Dr. Maria Vazquez. Vazquez, currently the deputy superintendent of OCPS, was unanimously voted in by...

OCPS set to select new superintendent Tuesday (WFTV)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools is one step closer to naming its new superintendent. READ: OCPS superintendent Barbara Jenkins announces retirementVazquez is currently the deputy superintendent in Orange County. READ: Orange County Public Schools name semi-finalists for superintendent positionSchool leaders plan to announce a decision at their board meeting Tuesday evening. The school board interviews finalists for Superintendent tomorrow, June 21. Details are at https://t.co/mVdn1MHyXp; click on the Superintendent Search graphic.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Tuesday is a big day for Orange County Public Schools. The school board is expected to name a new superintendent. Vazquez is currently the deputy superintendent in Orange County. READ: Orange County Public Schools name semi-finalists for superintendent positionThe school board interviews finalists for Superintendent tomorrow, June 21. READ: Teachers voice concerns after Orange County previews ‘Don’t Say Gay’ impact to classroomsTo learn more about the superintendent search, click here.

VIDEO: Teachers voice concerns after Orange County previews ‘Don’t Say Gay’ impact to classrooms Teachers voice concerns after Orange County previews ‘Don’t Say Gay’ impact to classroomsORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Representatives for Orange County teachers sounded alarm bells Monday after word spread from principals that Orange County Public Schools would impose strict restrictions on classroom behavior after Florida’s new Parental Rights in Education law, a.k.a the “Don’t Say Gay” law, took effect. Elementary-level teachers reported being discouraged from putting pictures of their same-sex spouse on their desk or talking about them to students. “It will be alarming if our district chooses to interpret this law in the most extreme way,” CTA President-Elect Clinton McCracken said. The strict interpretations, they said, were necessary to protect both students and teachers. The latter could have their teaching licenses revoked if they run afoul of the law, the official said.

Parents and the public had the opportunity to hear in-depth from the two finalists for Orange County Public Schools' superintendent position ahead of the school board's upcoming interviews.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools has narrowed its superintendent search to two finalists. The finalists, Maria Vazquez and Peter Licata, will be interviewed by the school board on Tuesday. Vazquez is currently the deputy superintendent in Orange County. READ: OCPS superintendent Barbara Jenkins announces retirementThe school board is scheduled to select the new superintendent at the next meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 28. READ: Orange County Public Schools name semi-finalist for superintendent positionTo learn more about the superintendent search, click here.

University High School nominated for state architectural award, only one from Central Florida University High School has been nominated for a state architectural award, the only one from Central Florida. (Orange County Public Schools)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — University High School has been nominated for a state award recognizing excellence in K-12 architecture, Orange County Public Schools said Monday. OCPS said the Orlando high school is the only nominee for this award from Central Florida. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 University High School nominated for state architectural award, only one from Central Florida University High School has been nominated for a state architectural award, the only one from Central Florida. (Orange County Public Schools)UHS was renovated in 2012 but has maintained its Mediterranean character based on Frizzell Architects’ design.

The district is providing meals at 224 locations this summer that include schools, libraries, several churches, YMCA, and Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the county.

Orange County schools to offer free meals to students over summer break (WFTV)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools is making sure that no kids go hungry over summer break. OCPS Food and Nutrition Services is once again providing free breakfast and lunch to students over the summer break. Read: Governor signs legislation to improve school safety in FloridaChildren 18 years and younger can pick up meals at one of 224 locations throughout Orange County at no charge. Meals will be available at schools with summer programs and summer camps, all six Orange County Library System branches, and several churches. Read: Orange County rent control referendum has commissioners’ supportMore information about the meal program and a list of locations can be found here.

Orange County School Board members selected two finalists Tuesday to move forward in the process to replace the retiring superintendent.

With the need for bus drivers remaining high, Orange County Public Schools held the first of many summer job fairs Monday at Edgewater High School.

Orange County Public Schools is looking to fill vacancies for bus drivers and diesel mechanics at a job fair next Monday, the district said.

The school board for Orange County Public Schools held a workshop Tuesday to discuss their safety program and, in the wake of the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, board members had a lot of questions regarding their policies.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools are one step closer to finding a new superintendent following Dr. Barbara Jenkins’ retirement in December. The Orange County School Board reviewed 15 applications for the superintendent position, with assistance from the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA), which is coordinating the search. The list of original applicants can be found on the superintendent search page of the Orange County Public Schools website. You can head to the BoardDocs section of the page to see tally sheets of each board member’s selections. The school board will then discuss interview questions, interview schedules, the method/process for selecting the superintendent and contract negotiation items/process during a work session meeting on June 7.

Video: Orange County parents upset over fines they received after returning their child's school laptop Orange County parents are furious over unexpected fines when returning their child’s district-issued laptop. (WFTV)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County parents are furious over unexpected fines when returning their child’s district-issued laptop. Several parents said their children brought home bills for things like missing keys on the laptop or a bad charger. Photos: Orange County parents upset over fines they received after returning their child’s school laptopExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Orange County parents upset over fines they received after returning their child’s school laptop“They say there was a crack on the back of the laptop, but it was old laptop. Other Orange County parents had bigger bills.

This is never going to stop.

Orange County Public Schools students and supporters said state leaders need to get their priorities straight. Students questioned why politicians are exerting more energy to ban books and curriculum than to stop gun violence in schools.

Orange County Public Schools announced Monday it will provide free breakfast and lunch to children ages 18 and younger throughout the summer.

11 candidates are vying to replace Orange County Public Schools’ retiring superintendent, Dr. Barbara Jenkins.

Orange County Public Schools continued a touching tradition during this year's Teacher Appreciation Week.

Juvenile escapees Two juveniles who escaped from the Orange County Regional Juvenile Detention Center on Wednesday morning are back in custody, Orange County deputies said. (WFTV.com News Staff)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Two juveniles who escaped from the Orange County Regional Juvenile Detention Center on Wednesday morning are back in custody, Orange County deputies said. Deputies said the pair escaped from the facility just after 9 a.m. and were taken back into custody within 40 minutes near the intersection of Bumby Avenue and Pershing Avenue. The search for the pair caused four nearby Orange County Public Schools to be placed on a secure status, which was lifted before 10:15 a.m.District officials said the secure status at Pershing K-8, Boone High School, Blankner K-8 and Conway Elementary School was lifted and that all students and staff are safe. READ: Sheriff: Mother admits to making both her children drink bleach, killing oneDuring a secure status, officials said no one is allowed on or off campus.

Do you have what it takes to make the call?

We have a winner!

Get out the popcorn, your cell phone and get ready to be entertained, Orange County Public Schools TOP TALENT 2022 is back for its fourth year of bringing you the district's brightest students.

As Walt Disney World welcomes guests to its 50th anniversary celebration, the company continues to give back to the Central Florida community.

VIDEO: Florida schools in need of referees Schools across the country have had to cancel sporting events due to a lack of licensed referees. (Joe Kepner, WFTV.com/WFTV)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Schools across the country have had to cancel sporting events due to a lack of licensed referees. According to the Florida High School Athletic Association, the number of referees in the state has dropped by ten percent in the last four years. Join RefReps and Orange County Public Schools for a free Referee Recruiting Fair on Monday, May 9 from 6-8pm at Boone High School. It’s geared towards Orange County juniors and seniors who are interested in becoming sports officials.

A middle school student had to be flown to the hospital after being hit by a car on the way to school Tuesday morning, according to Orange County Public Schools.

As outrage grows over suspected war crimes by Russia, many Ukrainians have been fleeing the country seeking refuge in Poland. One family not only crossed the border, they traveled across the Atlantic for safety in Central Florida.

Whether it’s people retiring earlier than expected or changing careers, it’s left a plethora of jobs available for employers to fill.

Students at Edgewater High School took part in a walkout Friday to protest a piece of legislation critics have colloquially dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — One month after the last Orange County Public Schools families were told to resume in-person learning, district officials say an all-out effort is underway to make up for lost time. Educators say students who spent more of their time learning at home were generally behind their peers who attended in-person lessons, with some exceptions. With society trying to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic for a third time, the race is on to leave some of its legacy behind. Howat said Orange County’s learning loss was “across the board” and educators were still working through who needed help, how much and in which areas. Part of that funding will help expand summer programs to assist students who need that extra support.

Orange County Public Schools is loosening its mask requirements for adults.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police are asking for help to find a girl who went missing on Wednesday. READ: Orange County Public Schools dropping mask mandate for adultsOfficers said 12-year-old Bella Marie Serrano was last seen in the area of East Michigan Street after she walked out of the Orange County Youth Center. Anyone who knows Bella’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 or Orlando police at 321-235-5300. WATCH: Deputies search for gunman who shot, killed 18-year-old man in Kissimmee neighborhoodNo other details were released by law enforcement. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools announced Wednesday that it is dropping its face mask requirement for adults. The district sent an email to parents Wednesday afternoon saying that face masks will be voluntary for adults starting Feb. 28. Officials said the change comes as the number of new COVID-19 cases continues to fall. Masks are already optional for students. ©2022 Cox Media Group

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Orange County Public Schools is putting some of its vacant property west of Interstate 4 up for sale. Read: OCPS superintendent Barbara Jenkins announces retirementThe district is putting up for bid a 17.6-acre property at 525 West Kennedy Boulevard in Eatonville. The property has never been slated for development by the district and was considered surplus land, district facilities spokeswoman Lauren Roth told the Orlando Business Journal. Read: OCPS parents who keep students home over COVID-19 concerns could face truancy issuesClick here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Police Department partnered with Academy Sports to surprise some lucky students. On Monday, 50 elementary school students received brand-new bikes and helmets. School resource officers selected deserving kids from 25 Orange County Public Schools. This is the third year that OPD and Academy Sports have worked together to give back to the community. ©2022 Cox Media Group

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — School district officials hope to steer qualified candidates toward a number of job vacancies in Orange County. OCPS will be looking to hire school bus drivers and mechanics at a job fair on Monday, Feb. 21. READ: Presidents Day 2022: What is open, what is closed MondayIt’s one of three hiring events Orange County Public Schools has organized in the coming weeks. For months, Eyewitness News has been following Central Florida’s shortage of school bus drivers. OCPS encourages job fair visitors to fast-track their applications by pre-registering here.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools administrators thought their plan was as close to perfect as they could have hoped for. A community in need of a bus depot. A parcel big enough for a bus depot. They said other large properties closer to the highway have sat vacant for years – perfect locations for a bus depot instead of next to their homes. School district leaders said the school was moving no matter what.

Orange County Public Schools presented details of a proposed plan to construct a bus depot for residents who live nearby Wednesday evening.

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Winter Garden residents will have a chance to voice their concerns regarding a proposed Orange County Public Schools bus compound. “For 11 years, OCPS has been looking for a site for a bus compound in the Winter Garden area,” said Lauren Roth. But residents in Winter Garden aren’t happy about the proposed location. So it just seems kind of ludicrous,” said Austin Arthur, with One Winter Garden. That’s because buses currently servicing the Winter Garden area have to come from the bus depot in Pine Hills, about 20 minutes away.

A threat was made against Dr. Phillips High School Monday morning, prompting school officials to evacuate the building while deputies investigated.

Dr. Barbara Jenkins announced her decision to retire from her position as Orange County Public Schools' superintendent on Tuesday. Jenkins will end her tenure in...

Orange County Public Schools is asking the state Department of Education to waive Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) testing results for another year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools says it’s no longer considering absences excused if parents keep their children home over COVID-19 concerns. The change only applies for students who were kept home over the last month since winter break over concerns about the omicron variant. READ: Orange County Public Schools will no longer provide excused absences due to increased COVID-19 casesChief Communications Officer Scott Howat said the district has started to see a significant decline in the number of COVID-19 cases in Orange County as well as OCPS. READ: Orange County schools extends mask requirement for all adultsOf the more than 200,000 students who attend public school in Orange County, the change only affects about 8,000 students. “If they haven’t been doing their work and they’ve just stayed home, then they could be potentially brought to a truancy court or truancy situation,” Howart said.

An arrest has been made in connection with a possible threat made on social media against an Orange County elementary school, according to school officials.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County parents will no longer be able to keep their kids home from school because of the omicron surge. Before the winter semester, Orange County Public Schools gave parents the option to have students skip class during the omicron surge. READ: Orange County schools extends mask requirement for all adults“We were very sensitive to the fact that parents were concerned. The positivity rate was 40%+ in Orange County,” said Scott Howat, a OCPS spokesperson. READ: Orange County Public Schools will no longer provide excused absences due to increased COVID-19 casesIf you are still concerned about sending your child to school, the district said you can home school your child.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools is changing its policy on students missing school over COVID-19 concerns. On Monday, Orange County students will no longer have their absences excused if they’re kept home for COVID-19 concerns. According to district officials, those absences are putting more strain on teachers who have to manage assignments for students absent from class. If parents want to keep their child out of school, the district said parents can still enroll students in home school education. Face masks are now required for all employees, volunteers, visitors and vendors in school buildings and vehicles through February.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Officials with Orange County Public Schools announced the district would continue its mask policy through February. OCPS said the requirement applies to all employees, volunteers, visitors and vendors while in OCPS buildings and vehicles. pic.twitter.com/BnLDl9r1Nn — ocpsnews (@OCPSnews) January 28, 2022The mask requirement does not apply to students. However, district officials said they “strongly encourage the use of face masks by students.”Orange County Public Schools had reinstated its mask requirement for all adults on Jan. 3. Read: OCPS reinstates mask requirement for all adultsAt the time, the district had cited the increase in COVID-19 positivity rate.

Orange County Public Schools extended the mask requirement for all adults on a school campus.

ORLANDO, Fla. — A major cold front will move in Friday night. It will bring Central Florida its biggest chill in about 3 or 4 years. Thursday’s forecast will be mostly cloudy with a 20% chance of a passing shower. Cold temperatures could lead to iguanas following from trees in parts of FloridaFriday’s forecast will be similar, but the front will move in during the night. READ: Orange County Public Schools will no longer provide excused absences due to increased COVID-19 casesOn Saturday night, temperatures will drop into the 20s and 30s across Central Florida.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools will no longer be able to provide excused absences in cases where parents keep students home due to increased COVID-19 cases, the district announced Wednesday. “Beginning January 31, we will no longer be able to provide excused absences in such cases,” the district said. “The number of cases has continued to decline, and we continue to require face masks for adults and strongly encourage them for students. “If a parent wishes to continue keeping their child out of school, they can still enroll in Home School Education,” the district said. “You can officially enroll in Home School Education by contacting the OCPS School Choice Office.”OCPS families, this is an update regarding parents keeping students home during the increased COVID-19 cases.

Florida is calling on elementary, middle and high school students to pick up their pens and spill their creativity on the page in honor of Black History Month for a chance to win college scholarships.

A Lake Nona High School student found a stray bullet in a locker room on campus Thursday, according to a representative with Seminole County Public Schools.

The teachers union accuses the school district of not following a memorandum of understanding made last fall with a magistrate.

Researchers predict omicron variant of the coronavirus is on the verge of peaking, but the virus continues to spread.

Avalon Middle named 2021 National Blue Ribbon School Avalon Middle School has earned recognition from the U.S. Department of Education as a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School. (Orange County Public Schools)ORLANDO, Fla. — Avalon Middle School in Orlando has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School. Congratulations to the 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools!🎉NBRS Program honors hundreds of schools annually, saluting school excellence, turn around stories, and closing subgroup achievement gaps. For more information on Avalon Middle School, click here. See a full list of the 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools here.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools and the teachers’ association have finally come to a tentative agreement on teacher compensation. WATCH: OCPS reinstates mask requirement for all adultsThe deal includes wage raises, a one-time district supplement of $2,600 cost-of-living and performance raises, longevity supplements, and new health insurance benefits. WATCH: ‘They just are afraid’: Psychologist says teens in a darker place, driving violenceThis deal must be finalized by the union and the school district. WATCH: Red Sand Project hopes to raise awareness on those lost to human traffickingClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV. ©2022 Cox Media Group

Orange County Public Schools reported more than 1100 COVID-19 cases among faculty, staff and students as schools reopened for their spring semester. The reported cases...

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools is reinstating its mask requirement for all adults including employees, visitors and vendors, Superintendent Barbara Jenkins announced Monday. READ: Seminole County schools providing teachers, staff with COVID-19 testing kits ahead of new semester“As a result of the significant increase in positivity rate, and in an effort to protect our workforce, I have determined that all adults including employees, visitors and vendors, will be required to wear a face mask in OCPS buildings and vehicles through the month of January,” Jenkins tweeted. As a result of the significant increase in positivity rate, and in an effort to protect our workforce, I have determined that all adults including employees, visitors and vendors, will be required to wear a face mask in OCPS buildings and vehicles through the month of January. pic.twitter.com/LQl1wa19Lc — Dr. Barbara Jenkins (@SuptJenkins) January 3, 2022READ: New monoclonal antibody treatment location coming to Central Florida, DeSantis saysMasks will remain strongly encouraged for all students. ©2022 Cox Media Group

If you're interested in enrolling your child in an Orange County Public Schools magnet school, the application process is now open.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Last week, incidents at three high schools across Seminole and Orange counties resulted in at least 14 students being arrested for violence or threats. This weekend, Orange County Superintendent Barbara Jenkins issued a message to OCPS families that any violence or threats of violence, real or a prank, will not be tolerated. In early December, a fight led to a shooting outside Carver Middle School in Orlando. On Monday, Orange County Public Schools District 5 School Board member Vicki-Elaine Felder will host a community meeting to address the safety of students in the community surrounding Carver Middle School and Eccleston Elementary. Read: High-speed crash forces Winter Garden Christmas parade to be canceledThe town hall meeting will happen inside Carver Middle School at 6:30 p.m. Monday.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Barbara Jenkins sent a message to families this weekend that making false threats against their schools can have serious consequences. Read: More than a dozen students arrested for violence, threats in Central Florida schools ThursdayJenkins stressed that any sort of threat, real or prank, will be not be tolerated. Read: Omicron variant found in Central Florida wastewater, city manager saysThe full statement reads:“OCPS families,Like many districts across the state and country, in recent weeks we have experienced an increase of students making false threats against their schools. Students or parents should inform school staff immediately if they hear of any threat or suspicious activity. Your partnership will ensure that we maintain an orderly and positive learning environment for our students.

Orange County Public Schools is doing its part to help the county reach its goal to get at least 50% of students vaccinated by January 2022.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools is loosening its face mask restrictions starting Monday. The school district will no longer require adults to mask up on school property. That includes visitors, vendors and volunteers. READ: Face masks optional for all Orange County school employeesEarlier this month, school leaders dropped the mask requirements for students in all district buildings and vehicles. READ: Orange County mayor allows COVID-19 state of local emergency to expireClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

A new club at an Orange County Public Schools elementary school is teaching young students the joy of kindness.

Orange County Public Schools have made masks fully optional for students. The decision comes after the Florida legislature passed a series of laws making it...

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — With COVID-19 numbers down, Orange County Public Schools resumed its annual “Teach-In” event this year. READ: OCPS makes masks optional for students, visitorsThis week is American Education Week, when we honor the teams of people who work in our nation’s public schools. We are... Posted by Orange County Public Schools on Monday, November 15, 2021For National Teach-In Day, Channel 9 News was brought into Dommerich Elementary School in Maitland Thursday. READ: FLOAT on: New device at AdventHealth Winter Park helps patients walk againAmerican Education Week ends Friday. For information about other opportunities to volunteer with OCPS, click here.

Masks will be optional for everyone at Orange County Public Schools, according to the district.

Ron DeSantis’ announcement Thursday, Orange County Public Schools said masks will now be optional for students in district buildings and vehicles. OCPS families, as a result of the passage of a new law this week in Tallahassee, masks will now be optional for students in OCPS buildings and vehicles. 1/4 — ocpsnews (@OCPSnews) November 18, 2021Beginning Nov. 29, after Thanksgiving break, masks will also be optional for all adults on school district property including visitors, vendors and volunteers. “The COVID vaccine is voluntary but strongly encouraged.”Vaccination events will continue at the school district after Thanksgiving break. As of Thursday, school districts may not have school face mask policies and may not quarantine healthy students.

A new partnership is preparing Orange County Public School students for high-paying jobs in the construction industry.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — For the first time, OUC customers and the community can vote on which of their favorite artwork will grace the cover of the 2022 OUC Water Color Project calendar. OUC employees then selected 13 submissions from the 2022 calendar based on originality, artistic skill, water conservation message or slogan and suitability. We’re asking YOU to help us pick the cover of the 2022 Water Color Project calendar. The Water Color Project began in 2006. See all of this year’s finalists in the gallery below:Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 OUC’s Water Color Project "While the time is ticking the earth is dying."

OCPS vaccines Orange County Public Schools is partnering with Health Hero Florida to host vaccine clinics Tuesday through Saturday at 22 high schools. (WFTV.com News Staff)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Following a successful start, Orange County Public Schools will continue hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics at its high schools throughout the holiday season. OCPS high schools will again open their doors for vaccine clinics the week after Thanksgiving, the district said. READ: Orange County offers COVID-19 vaccine for kids at Barnett ParkFive high schools will also host vaccination events during winter break. The district provided 5,635 doses of COVID-19 vaccines at its high schools last week.

Cypress Creek High School placed on lockdown after reports of student with weapon, officials sayOrange County Public Schools confirmed that Cypress Creek High School was placed on a brief lockdown on Friday. School officials said the high school was placed on lockdown at around 1:31 p.m. after receiving reports of a student on campus with a weapon. READ: Woman dies after being hit by several vehicles on State Road 436After an investigation, officials confirmed that no weapon was found. WATCH: Nearly 700 Orange County teachers have left the job since the school year started: Here’s whyOrange County deputies said the lockdown has been lifted. Any parents with questions about the incident and response have been told that they can contact the school.

Students, families, community members and district employees gathered Friday morning as Orange County Public Schools presented its 2021 State of the Schools address, marking the first time since 2019 the address had in-person guests due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Nearly 700 teachers with Orange County Public Schools have left their jobs since the start of the school year. The county teacher’s union says low pay and a high workload are pushing too many teachers out. Several teachers Channel 9 spoke with pointed to hundreds of openings, a lack of substitutes and that they’re overworked. READ: Starting today: Face masks optional for all Orange County school employeesThe frustration is easy to find on the Orange County Classroom Teachers Union Facebook page, with teacher after teacher sharing how they’re burned out and walking out. They hired what they called interventionist teachers, they said about 1,000 of them with CARES Act money, so you can use that money to hire or retain teachers,” Doromal said.

Orange County Public Schools announced Wednesday that face masks will be optional for all district employees starting the next day.

In an email to faculty and staff, Orange County Public Schools announced that facemasks would be entirely optional for employees of the district starting tomorrow...

Orange County Public Schools kicked off a five-day vaccination event at the district's high schools on Tuesday.

Orange County Public Schools will begin offering the coronavirus vaccine to students 5 years old and older.

Orange County Public Schools will start administering child COVID-19 vaccinations to families who want them today. Though walk-up clinics will eventually be offered at all...

ORLANDO, Fla. — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have made the COVID-19 vaccine available to children 5 to 11 years old. Orange County Public Schools said it will offer voluntary COVID-19 vaccine clinics next week in hopes of getting students fully vaccinated by winter break. The following walk-up events are open to families of OCPS students and anyone who needs a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot. Orlando, FL 32809Nov. 11 (4 p.m. - 8 p.m.)Winter Park High2100 Summerfield Dr.Winter Park, FL 32792East River High650 East River Falcons WayOrlando, FL 32833West Orange High1625 S Beulah Rd. Winter Garden, FL 34787Cypress Creek High1101 Bear Crossing Dr.Orlando, FL 32824Jones High801 S Rio Grande WayOrlando, FL 32805Wekiva High2501 N Hiawassee Rd.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to greenlight Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 this week. About 15 million doses are already on the move across the country. Orange County Public Schools said it is making plans to offer the vaccine to students once they’re available, just as it did for students 12 and up. READ: IRS launches new Child Tax Credit portal, families can update income before Nov. 15 paymentIt will happen after school at some campuses, and parents must be present. READ: Coronavirus: Global COVID-19 death toll tops 5 millionSee the video above for the full story.

For the first time since the beginning of the school year, parents have the ability to choose if their child wears a mask at Orange County Public Schools.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Police in Orlando are searching for a teenage girl who has been missing since last week. WATCH: Orlando celebrates its one-year anniversary of rolling out electric busesOfficers are asking the public for help in finding Ramos and reuniting her with her loved ones. MISSING JUVENILE: Help us reunite 17-year-old Jiarrah Ramos with her loved ones. Jiarrah was reported missing from her home at S. Semoran Blvd. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools is looking for full-time mechanics and bus drivers, and will offer a sign-on bonus for anyone hired before the end of the year. OCPS will give a bonus of up to $1,000 for those hired before Dec. 31. WATCH: Winter Park unveils new ‘Rhythmic Colors’ art installationThe OCPS transportation job fairs will be held at the following locations:- Pine Hills Compound at 5140 N Pine Hills Road in Orlando on Nov. 1. - Hanging Moss Compound at 6721 Hanging Moss Road in Orlando on Nov. 8. WATCH: Paid leave exclusion projected to cost Florida economy billionsPotential job applicants can call 407-317-3854 for more information.

The current mask mandate at Orange County Public Schools will expire on Oct. 30.

Parents can opt out their children from wearing a mask again at Orange County Public Schools, the district announced Thursday.

The Florida Board of Education sends a formal notice to the Brevard County School Board, giving the district 48 hours to comply with state student mask mandate rules.

Orange County Public Schools is facing a deadline to comply with the state’s COVID-19 mask mandate.

After a father called News 6 about school bus delays and no-shows at his son’s bus stop, Orange County Public Schools took action.

The Department of Education will be having a meeting tomorrow with school districts from 11 Florida counties.

4R restaurant group, which operates 4 Rivers Smokehouse and The COOP, is now establishing a scholarship program for Black students in the state of Florida.

Orange County Public Schools add new protocols ahead school board meeting.

The Friday night lights will be dark at Apopka High School this week after Orange County Public Schools postponed the game with Ocoee High School because of COVID-19 cases.

Orange County hosting another job fair on Monday, this time at Horizon High School in Winter Garden all to recruit bus drivers.

Oranger County father William Harper said once again he had to drive his son to school Friday morning after his son’s school bus never showed up.

Orange County Public Schools is looking to fill about 150 positions next week at their three-day job fair hosted by Food and Nutrition Services, according to a release from OCPS.