For the sake of our students, slow/stop development in Apopka

As presented again at the December 6th City Council meeting, we need to slow/stop development until we get our legs underneath us.

 

Every Apopka Department is under stress due to our rapid growth.  Commissioners, please take the time to talk with the employees.

 

Since we are one of the fastest-growing cities in Orange County, our school-age children bear the brunt of overcrowding.  Orange County is the fastest-growing county in Florida.  We must make this case to get brick-and-mortar schools when we need them.

 

Please remember that the Wolf Lake Middle School and Elementary School Campus opened in 2006 with 46 portables - they are still there.  The new Kelly Park K-8 school initial plans have space built in for 12 portables.  With the break-neck speed we are approving new developments, we will add additional portables to accommodate the growth. 

 

You approved 168 new students into OCPS at yesterday's meeting.

 

To exceed the number of portables that our 4th largest Orange County Public Schools "enjoys, "you must add the 3 largest school districts' portables TOGETHER to barely exceed the number of OCPS's portables.

 

Portables are not as safe and cost more to maintain, operate, heat, and cool.  In environmental events, portables are evacuated to the brick-and-mortar school buildings. Portables are not as safe as brick-and-mortar schools.

 

Orange County Public Schools, Orange County, and Apopka all go to Tallahassee with their own agendas. This is necessary to fulfill each entity's individual needs.

 

However, the only way for Tallahassee to change what they are doing regarding the overcrowding of OCPS schools is to put a plan TOGETHER and EXECUTE THE PLAN.  We must tag-team Tallahassee until they make the necessary changes to provide our children with the same level of safety most of the rest of the state's children enjoy.

 

Please let me know what I can do to assist.