Schools & Kids
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 · Winter Garden
OCPS Slashes 200+ Jobs Amid Enrollment Drop, Budget Woes
Orange County Public Schools is cutting more than 200 district-level positions as declining enrollment triggers funding shortfalls. The reductions, part of a 3% districtwide budget trim, target administrative roles and follow the recent elimination of over 100 student safety coordinator jobs. Officials warn of potential school closures and millions more in cuts for the 2026-27 school year.
Oakland Nature Preserve Offers Homeschool Series for Ages 6-8
The Oakland Nature Preserve is hosting its monthly Homeschool Series for children ages 6-8, providing hands-on science experiences amid Central Florida's focus on education reforms. Drop-off classes reinforce home learning with nature-based topics at the 150-acre preserve. Families can register now for upcoming sessions via the preserve's official site.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Broward Electric Buses Roll Out; Central FL Eyes Green Fleet Upgrades
Ten of Broward County Public Schools' new electric buses hit the roads Monday, marking South Florida's first major zero-emission fleet deployment. Oakland families commuting via I-4 or Brightline may soon see similar upgrades as state infrastructure booms. This comes amid Governor DeSantis-signed HB 1461 tying school funds to performance.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
OCPS Cuts $8M in Mental Health Services Amid Enrollment Drop
Orange County Public Schools plans to eliminate all SAFE coordinator positions and reduce social workers, counselors and psychologists due to declining enrollment and a budget shortfall. The $8.2 million cuts shift duties to existing staff, sparking concerns from unions and parents over student access to care. District leaders cite overlaps and financial necessity in a statement.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
UF Eyes $500M Engineering Boom to Tackle Florida Tech Shortage
The University of Florida is pushing for $500 million in state funding to expand engineering facilities, aiming to supercharge STEM education amid Florida's booming tech sector. The proposal targets workforce gaps in high-demand fields like data science and advanced manufacturing. With Gainesville at the epicenter, UF's multibillion-dollar building spree could reshape the state's innovation landscape.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Florida Senate OKs Bill Capping Teacher Tenure at 4 Years
In a bold move to elevate classroom performance, the Florida Senate has passed legislation limiting teacher tenure to just four years while mandating merit-based evaluations. The measure, aimed at statewide public school gains, reignites a decade-old debate on accountability versus job security. Backed by GOP leaders, it heads to the House amid teacher union pushback.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026