ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Jones High School is prepping for another football match at the school just one week after a deadly shooting near their last home game.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — With magnet school application season here, Orange County Public Schools is hosting a virtual fair for parents and students to see more about what magnet programs are being offered. OCPS has 46 magnet programs offered in 33 places among elementary, middle and high schools. Some of the programs include University High School’s Performing Fine Arts, Lakeview Middle School’s World Language Academy and Maxey Elementary School’s Visual and Performing Arts. You can see a list of all OCPS magnet programs here. If there are more applicants than the number of seats available in a specific program, students are selected through a lottery.

Flagler County:Flagler County Schools will remain closed on Friday in observance of Veterans Day. Osceola County:Classes for Osceola County schools will resume Monday. Volusia County:All Volusia County schools and offices will be closed Friday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. Read: Central Florida coast urged to make full hurricane preparations ahead of Nicole’s impactMarion County:Marion County Public Schools, departments and district offices will reopen Friday, Nov. 11 except Anthony Elementary. pic.twitter.com/3KHURg1bRu — Marion County Public Schools (@MarionCountyK12) November 11, 2022Sumter County:An official reopening date has not been announced by the schools.

ORLANDO, Fla. — 9 Investigates discovered that some children aren’t getting the specialized services they need to succeed in school, due to a state and nationwide shortage of speech therapists. The situation has gotten so bad that some districts are offering significant sign-on bonuses to lure in new employees. Lake County Schools has offered a $3,000 supplement for speech-language pathologists and a $750 critical shortage bonus to join the district, where they’re short 17 speech pathologists. In Osceola County Schools, where there are 10 openings, they’re offering a higher salary for speech pathologists, providing professional dues for their certificate of clinical competence. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects speech pathology jobs to grow by 21% over the next decade, but that’s too late for Rodriguez’ son.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County school leaders say they’re meeting or exceeding new state security and safety standards in its schools. Orange County Public Schools police chief Brian Holmes told the school board that there will be more enhancements in the coming months. Read: Orange County schools add new safety alert system for 2022-23Here are the changes on the docket:Enhancing no-trespassing signs along the perimeter of schools. Improving PA systems in schools, because there are some schools without full coverage. Click 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.

Orange County Public Schools issued a recorded message Thursday, warning parents that the district expected a school bus driver shortage on Friday.

The new superintendent for Orange County Public Schools held a town hall Monday evening to hear from parents in the district.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — There is “no active shooter” at Evans High School following a social media threat, Orange County Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies said there was no evidence of criminal activity on the campus, and they did not find any weapons. Read: Parkland high school shooting: Jurors recommend life sentence for Nikolas CruzOrange County Public Schools said the high school was placed on lockdown after the threat was reported. Police searched the campus but did not find any evidence of a threat. OCPS said they will continue to work with law enforcement to investigate the source of the social media post.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools has a plan for students to make up classroom time they missed during Hurricane Ian. OCPS board members decided Tuesday night to cancel an upcoming student holiday and to turn several early dismissal days into full school days. READ: Dr. Phillips High School placed on lockdown after hoax 911 callOn Oct. 28, students and teachers will now have a regular school day instead of the student holiday that was on OCPS’ original calendar. Orange County Public SchoolsThe district said it will also replace seven early-dismissal Wednesdays with full academic days between November and May to make up for lost hours in the classroom. Those seven dates include:Nov. 9, 2022Dec. 7, 2022Jan. 18, 2023Feb. 1, 2023Feb. 15, 2023March 22, 2023May 10, 2023READ: 15-year-old Georgia football player loses parents, sister in crash on way home from his gameHurricane Ian makeup days determined for OCPS.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Riverdale Elementary School students in Orange County will head back to the classroom Thursday morning for the first time since dismissing ahead of Hurricane Ian. READ: 62-year-old Daytona Beach Shores restaurant swept away by Hurricane IanOrange County Public Schools has decided that Riverdale students will attend class at East River High School, at least temporarily. The school district hosted an open house at the high school Wednesday evening to address parents’ concerns about how the temporary placement will work. Joann Vega is the grandmother of an autistic Riverdale Elementary School student. PHOTOS: President Joe Biden visits storm-ravaged southwest Florida“They let us know they’re going to keep the high schools away from the elementary,” Vega said.

Riverdale Elementary students will return to class Thursday morning at a high school seven miles away because officials with Orange County Public Schools believe the building, which sustained significant flood damage from Hurricane Ian, is still unsafe.

ORLANDO, Fla. — In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, many Central Florida schools released information about when students will return to the classroom. Brevard County:Scheduled weekend activities resumed on Saturday, Oct. 1, for Brevard County Public Schools. Brevard Public Schools will reopen on Saturday morning, October 1st, for scheduled weekend activities. Marion County:Marion County Public Schools expect to reopen on Monday, Oct. 3, during its normal operating hours. Orange County:Orange County Public Schools said they will not reopen Monday, Oct. 3 because of safety concerns and power outages.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County leaders are concerned that one school may not be able to reopen come Monday. Riverdale Elementary, located in Orlando, was surrounded by water Friday morning in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Scott Howat, chief communications officer of Orange County Public Schools, said the county saw major flooding issues at the school. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Homes remain flooded by Hurricane Ian in Orange County’s Orlo Vista neighborhoodOCPS parents also want classes to resume on Monday. Read: Hurricane Ian: 9 surreal photos & videos in FloridaMayor Jerry Demings said the shelters will be moved when school is back in session.

After Riverdale Elementary School flooded due to heavy rainfall from Hurricane Ian, cleaning crews went to work to get it back in order ahead of the district's expected opening date.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County officials provided an update on Hurricane Ian recovery efforts on Friday morning. Here’s the latest:Regular trash pickup service for unincorporated Orange County residents will resume Monday. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Homes remain flooded by Hurricane Ian in Orange County’s Orlo Vista neighborhoodOrange County Public Schools are scheduled to resume classes on Monday. Video: Orange County nursing center evacuated due to rising flood waters Orange County nursing center evacuated due to rising flood waters (James Tutten, WFTV.com/WFTV)OUC reached its peak number of utility outages on Thursday at 97,560 as of Friday morning. Watch: Thousands of utility workers in Florida as Hurricane Ian recovery continuesAs of 9:15 this morning, Duke Energy said 35% of its customers in Orange County were without power.

School districts across Central Florida are closing as Hurricane Ian nears a likely landfall in the region. Orange County Public Schools have called off Tuesday...

Orange County Public Schools has no plans to cancel classes ahead of Hurricane Ian, according to an update shared by the school on Sunday. "At...

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A monkeypox case has been reported in an individual connected to Wedgefield School, Orange County Public Schools said Wednesday afternoon. The person has not been on the K-8 campus since Sept. 7 and will remain home until cleared to return, the district said. READ: Monkeypox vaccine appointments available this week in Orange CountyExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Monkeypox (WFTV)All areas of the school have been “thoroughly cleaned and sanitized,” the district said. READ: More than 100 confirmed monkeypox cases in Central Florida, including 1st toddlerVIDEO: How effective is the monkeypox vaccine The rollout of the monkeypox vaccine has started in counties across Central Florida. (Ashley Edlund, WFTV.com/WFTV)Click 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.

Parents in Orange County were notified of a case of monkeypox in an individual connected with Wedgefield Elementary school, Wednesday.

Dr. Maria Vasquez said that the prank threats will be taken seriously

Parents of students in the Orange County Public Schools district heard from superintendent Dr. Maria Vasquez, who marked an increase in student-made threats against schools and called for an end to the trend.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. The average annual salary for Orange County Public Schools employees is $45,298, according to data for more than 21,354 workers. The data is as of July 2022 and may not reflect any changes coming into the new school year for employee pay. Among the highest-paid staff members:Read: Queen Elizabeth II under medical supervisionClick here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website. Click 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 written message containing a possible threat to West Orange High School has put the school on "hold" while law enforcement investigates, according to Orange County Public Schools.

Apopka parents are standing behind Orange County Public Schools after the district came under fire for violating state laws concerning school safety, according to the Department of Education.

The superintendent for Orange County Public Schools is expected to meet next week with Florida Dept. of Education officials over concerns from a statewide grand jury that the district may have underreported incidents to the state.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools has been issued a letter by the Florida Department of Education after a report identified “several findings and concerns pertaining to school safety requirements” within the school district. The Final Report of the 20th Statewide Grand Jury that was recently released found polices and actions that are “ongoing and require immediate action,” according to a letter dated Aug. 29. READ: Florida man accused of leaving dead animals on Parkland shooting memorialThe district’s “identified failures and concerns” listed include:School officials violated and continue to violate state law by systemically underreporting incidents of criminal activity to the Florida Department of Education. The City of Apopka school system suppressed reporting of serious incidents and actively hampered police investigations. The Orange County School Board General Counsel’s Office requires law enforcement to obtain a subpoena when requesting video of recorded crimes, including firearms.

Orange County School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs issues a statement.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — School leaders in Orange County are set to talk Tuesday about a growing problem in the classrooms. Watch: Child psychologist reminds parents to focus on kids’ mental health with return to schoolSince the pandemic and at-home learning, more children have been struggling with mental health issues. The school district said it will present its plan to expand mental health resources at a meeting later Tuesday. “In the last two years, the number of people gone into mental crisis is three times more than pre-COVID.”Quadri said the mental health needs of students is a crisis, and it’s something Orange County Public Schools said it’s working to address. School leaders also said 80% of all school staff will be trained by July on how to detect when a student is struggling with their mental health.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools announced Thursday they will participate in the Afterschool Meals Program, part of the Child Care Food Program. The effort provides healthy snacks and meals to children in participating after-school programs. Read: All Central Florida school boards have made a national conservative watchlist. Snacks and/or meals are free for students attending the following schools:Snacks and meals are offered to all children, regardless of their race, color, nationality, sex, age or disability. Read: Child psychologist reminds parents to focus on kids’ mental health with return to schoolSee more about Orange County Schools in the video below:Video: Orange County schools expand lifesaving heart exam program (WFTV)Click 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.

Orange County Public Schools is asking voters to keep a 1 mill ad valorem property tax, first approved in 2010, to fund everything from support staff to art teachers to class field trips.

Video: Central Florida schools work to fill pandemic learning gap Closing the pandemic learning gap is a challenge school districts in Central Florida are facing this school year. (James Tutten, WFTV.com/WFTV)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Closing the pandemic learning gap is a challenge school districts in Central Florida are facing this school year. WATCH: Mental health problems to plague schools again, counselor saysChannel 9 spoke with the new superintendent in Orange County about how they plan to get students back up to speed. WATCH: Report shows K-12 schools remain segregated despite more diverse student population“When you’re looking at maybe half of school aged children are behind,” said mental health specialist, Dwight Bain. OCPS is also adding more mental health resources and enhancing tutoring options to help students still struggling.

Following the approval of Orange County Superintendent Designate Dr. Maria Vazquez earlier this summer, the next deputy superintendent was announced Friday evening.

Local school districts work to adapt to Florida’s new laws (Christy Turner, WFTV.com/WFTV)The new school year comes with some changes brought on by new state laws. The Florida law now bans instruction on gender and sexual orientation for kindergarten through third grade. Video: Buses depart as students prepare to head back to school Wednesday Students around Central Florida are heading back to school Wednesday. The School District of Osceola County told WFTV that teachers must tell principals about any instruction that might be considered controversial. Photos: Central Florida students head back to schoolExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 21 Central Florida students head back to school©2022 Cox Media Group

Incoming OCPS superintendent shares priorities, challenges for district (, WFTV.com/WFTV)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — With the start of a new academic year, one local school district is ready to welcome a new superintendent. Channel 9 had a chance to sit down and talk one-on-one with her about some of the current challenges the district is facing. READ: Traffic experts steer drivers toward safety as school year beginsVazquez, the first Hispanic superintendent at OCPS, has been with the district for more than two decades. She said OCPS is working to bring more substitute teachers on board and has hired intervention teachers to step into classrooms. But she said she’s ready to hit the ground running to move the school district forward.

VIDEO: OCPS adds second round of bus trips to high schools to counter driver shortage OCPS adds second round of bus trips to high schools to counter driver shortageORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Children of all ages will be delayed getting home from school this fall after Orange County Public Schools added a second round of trips from some of the district’s 22 high schools. In the afternoons, the new schedule will delay the second round of bus riders by 20 minutes. The change, which officials said is based on ridership levels, will have a trickle-down effect in the afternoons. READ: Orange County schools add new safety alert system for 2022-23They also hinted that schedules could be adjusted if staffing improves. “As we bring on more bus drivers, we’ll be able to return some of the second runs for the high schools back to the more traditional runs,” Director of Transportation Bill Wen explained.

Voters in Orange County will decide this month whether the school district can keep a special property tax to prop up school programs.

SafeWatch alert system coming to Orange County Public Schools SafeWatch alert system coming to Orange County Public Schools (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla — During a news conference Monday, Orange County Public Schools announced a new safety alert system, SaferWatch, that will be in place for the upcoming school year. With the push of a button, school staff can alert law enforcement and the administration to an active threat on campus. The school district and multiple law enforcement agencies spent the summer conducting active shooter drills on local campuses. The SafeWatch system is used in multiple school districts across Florida. Orange County students go back to school on Wednesday.

An emergency alert system that allows Orange County Public Schools employees to initiate a lockdown if there is a threat was among several topics discussed ahead of the school year.

ORLANDO, Fla — With two days left before many around central Florida return to school on Aug. 10, Orange County Public Schools will hold a press conference Monday at 10 a.m regarding safety updates. Along with leadership from the district, Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith will be in attendance. The district says they have important information and want to give students and families safety updates for the beginning of school on Aug. 10. In a release, OCPS says they will also provide updates on transportation and meal programs for this coming school year. WFTV will carry the press conference here live when it begins.

Orange County Public Schools said it has a number of teacher vacancies to fill just five days away from the start of school.

Florida Department of Health to host free school immunization event in Orange County (OCPS)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health will hold a free school immunizations event in Orange County Saturday. The event is for Orange County Public Schools children who are entering kindergarten and for seventh grade students still needing their required tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis immunizations. Florida requires students to have all required immunizations before school starts. Read: OCPS ready to open 5 new schools in Orange CountyImmunization consent forms can be found here. For more information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Orange County’s Call Center at 407-723-5004.

OCPS ready to open 5 new schools in Orange County (Christy Turner, WFTV.com/WFTV)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — When Orange County students head back to the classroom on Wednesday, some will be stepping onto brand new campuses. Orange County Public Schools will open five new schools on Aug. 10. The district said the schools will increase student capacity in growing areas like Apopka, Horizon West and Meadow Woods. “The southwest part of Orange County is our fastest growing area. READ: Orange County schools expand lifesaving heart exam programHamlin Middle School Principal Suzanne Knight is elated to begin the school year.

As the school year begins in Florida, Orange County Public Schools is countering rumors about what is restricted under Florida's controversial "Don't Say Gay" law....

VIDEO: How the Parental rights in Education Act will impact Central Florida school districts this year How the Parental rights in Education Act will impact Central Florida school districts this yearORLANDO, Fla. — The first day of classes in Central Florida are a week away, and changes are coming. It will be the first time the Parental Rights in Education Act, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by critics – will be in place. READ: Florida responds to ‘Don’t Say Gay’ confusion, says enforcement will be limitedOrange County Public Schools is the first district to release guidelines based on the law that have been written by legal services. READ: Despite heavy consequences, Tallahassee still mum on teacher ‘Don’t Say Gay’ do’s and don’tsAs for kindergarten through third-grade teachers, talk of sexual orientation or gender identity may not happen, whether it’s homosexual or heterosexual. School districts in Brevard and Volusia counties said they will follow Florida statue as written, and do not have separate guidelines.

The new guidance comes as Florida's controversial Parental Rights in Education Act, dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill by critics, goes into effect.

Video: Orange County Public Schools hand out new devices to students Orange County Public Schools is handing out new laptops to some students. (James Tutten, WFTV.com/WFTV)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools is handing out new laptops to some students. Officials said 113,000 new devices will go to students in grades 6 through 12. The only exceptions are for students at Horizon High School, Lake Buena Vista High School and Water Spring Middle School. Photos: Orange County Public Schools hand out new devices to studentsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 9 Orange County Public Schools hand out new devices to studentsThose students received new devices last year.

The Orange County Classroom Teachers Association ratified an agreement with Orange County Public Schools Thursday evening for new teacher salaries in the 2022-23 school year.

Video: Orange County schools expand lifesaving heart exam program (WFTV)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — As students get ready to go back to school, many of them are getting heart screenings. Heart screenings are required for high school student-athletes in Orange County. “It was just at a high school heart screening,” said Ashlyn Scarborough, a student-athlete at Harmony High School. Read: Teachers voice concerns after Orange County previews ‘Don’t Say Gay’ impact to classroomsHidden heart defects like the one Scarborough has is why Orange County Public Schools require all high school students who play a sport to get screened. Ernst said the simple heart test is saving lives and in one year, Orange County detected life-threatening heart conditions in 50 children.

Five new schools are opening in August in Orange County, adding student capacity in growing areas of the county.

Orange County set to open 5 new schools this summerORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools is preparing to open five new schools in August. Photos: Orange County set to open 5 new schools this summerExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Orange County set to open 5 new schools this summerStudents in the city of Apopka will be absorbed by Kelly Park School. Officials said the schools add nearly 5,000 seats of capacity to the Orange County school district. WATCH: Florida schools turning to military vets to fill teaching vacancies“The projects represent a $156.2 million investment in students by taxpayers, developers and property owners, creating about 1,155 jobs,” said a spokesperson for Orange County Public Schools. “The economic impact of the projects in Orange County is about $176.9 million.

School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs told News 6 they want clear guidance from the state so that they can then take the burden off teachers by providing them with specific direction.

Due to the pandemic, all students in Orange County were able to get free meals at school, though that will be changing starting in August and families will have to submit applications to be eligible.

Orange County Public Schools needs 100 bus drivers and 20 mechanics, and they are willing to pay.

Educators at Lake Silver Elementary School are displeased with Principal Sheila Burke after they claimed she used microaggressions and failed to discipline staff members who made racist remarks.

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.

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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

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

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

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.

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

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.