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Byrd: Continue half-cent sales tax for Orange County Public Schools

Prior to the half-cent sales tax in 2002, many of Orange County’s public schools were outdated and in disrepair. 
Breaking News: OCPS closes schools for Wednesday and Thursday
The closure is due to the projected impacts of the hurricane in Orange County, and some schools will be used as shelters. We will continue to update you as we receive additional information. School opening Friday will be determined based on the impact of the storm.
Colin at Fo Guang Shan, a humanist Buddhist organization. It has the largest bronze Buddhist statue in the world.
Apopka grad participating in State Department's National Security Language Initiative for Youth program
2024 Apopka High grad Colin Poon was among 540 exceptional students selected from a competitive pool of thousands nationwide for this transformative program.
Breaking News: OCPS closing schools Thursday
The primary decision point for any potential closure is based on sustained wind speeds projected to exceed 35 mph. That is the threshold for our buses to be safely on the roads.
Breaking News: APD arrests 15-year-old following mass-shooting threat at Apopka High School
The APD’s Criminal Investigations Unit and School Resource Unit promptly launched an investigation. Through the rapid investigative efforts and collaboration with the Orange County Public Schools District Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the individual responsible was quickly identified and taken into custody. 
School shooting threats break out in Florida; districts, sheriffs issue warnings
Violent threats against schools have been reported in districts around Florida, including Seminole, Broward, Duval, Madison, Leon, Taylor, Levy, Columbia, and Sarasota counties.
Fall Vegetables and Buzzworthy Gardens highlight UF/IFAS classes in October
UF/IFAS Extension Orange County provides education and information to residents and businesses through workshops, publications, and mass media in the areas of family life, youth development, natural resources, horticulture, and agriculture.
OCPS approves budget/millage rate for 2024/25
After a public hearing, the school board voted unanimously to approve the millage required to support the final budget for the school year 2024-25.
Hispanic Heritage Month highlights September in Orange County
Now is also the perfect time to taste the unique flavors of our community during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining.
Zellwood Elementary School.
Kelly Park School and Zellwood Elementary receive Apple Distinguished School designation 
Schools apply and are selected for this distinction based on their commitment to continuous innovation in education and their use of Apple products to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning. 
Goodwill Industries of Central Florida celebrating "Goodwill Scholars" success stories
“Goodwill Scholars” is a new employee scholarship program that fully pre-pays all costs related to education, including tuition, books, and fees. Here's how it works.
Winston Academy of Engineering students work on a project in Lakeland, Florida.
Report: Florida facing a serious teacher shortage
Florida TaxWatch has released a new report showing that Florida's teacher salaries rank 50th in the nation and school districts are struggling to fill vacancies.
An experimental aircraft like this solar-powered airship could someday play a role in providing internet access to rural areas or disaster zones.
A third of the world’s population lacks internet connectivity − airborne communications stations could change that
Telecommunications equipment positioned high in the air, on uncrewed balloons, airships, gliders and airplanes, could increase social and economic equality by filling internet connectivity gaps. This could allow more people to participate fully in the digital age. An experimental aircraft like this solar-powered …
Voluntary pre-K metrics and designations will bring greater accountability to early learning programs, according to the Florida Board of Education.
Florida Board of Education spells out performance grades for voluntary pre-K
Voluntary prekindergarten, created in 2005, is designed to serve that function at no cost to families. Instructors must hold at least a state-issued teaching credential.
Parents can still pay for theme park passes using state scholarship money
As in the past, authorized purchases include paddle boards, televisions, and theme park admission for Florida parks such as Disney World, Sea World, Universal, and Legoland.
FEA: Teacher and support staff vacancies stand near 10,000 statewide
According to Florida TaxWatch, the shortages persist as fewer people enter the profession. Pew Research says 21% of bachelor’s degree graduates in the United States in 1970-1971 were in education. That number in 2019-2020 was 4%.
Florida TaxWatch analyzes Florida’s teacher shortage as the 2024-2025 K-12 school year begins
In Florida’s FY2023-24 state budget, education was one of the largest consumers of taxpayer dollars; however, a teacher shortage prevents these funds from being effectively utilized.