From Orange County Public Schools
As K-12 education becomes more competitive with the expansion of school choice options, Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) remains committed to providing high-quality education to the community. OCPS has entered into a partnership with a third-party organization to help inform families about the opportunities available in their local public schools. The goal of the partnership is to encourage formerly enrolled students to return to OCPS-operated schools by showcasing the district’s programs and offerings.
Melissa Byrd, the OCPS Board Member from District 7 (which represents Apopka), was pleased with the partnership and its cost.
“Isn’t it great that OCPS has found a way to market itself to families without spending a dime? With universal school choice, we have to showcase why parents should choose public schools, just like charters and private schools are doing. The company only gets paid if they get results. They only get a part of the funding they bring in from each student. We will see $8,000 in additional state funding from each student they bring in. This is money the school district will desperately need next year as we face serious budget strains.”
Under the agreement:
• OCPS will receive approximately $8,950 in state funding for each student who re-enrolls and attends a district-operated school for at least 30 days.
• The third-party partner will be paid $935 per student who returns and meets that 30-day attendance threshold.
• This results in a net gain of $8,015 per student for the district.
Example scenario:
• If 1,000 students return, OCPS would receive approximately $8 million in net revenue to support teachers and students.
• The third-party partner would receive $935,000 in compensation.
“This initiative provides a new avenue for OCPS to promote its schools and highlight the strong educational opportunities available to students and families who live in Orange County and are not enrolled in OCPS,” said Dr. Maria Vazquez, superintendent.
