The new school year has started and along with Friday night football games, open houses and, of course, homework, I want to bring your attention to some key issues facing the Orange County School Board.
Superintendent search
One of the most important tasks at hand for the board is selecting a new superintendent. Ronald Blocker will retire at the end of this school year after 10 years as the superintendent of Orange County Public Schools. Mr. Blocker deserves kudos for leading the 10th largest school district in the nation to improved ratings and numerous accomplishments during his tenure.
To ensure transparency and constituent participation in the selection process, the school board will form an advisory committee and will conduct several focus groups to gather input from the community. A professional search firm has also been hired to assist with the process. If you wish to provide your input, be sure to either contact me or visit OCPS.net for focus group dates and locations. One thing is certain, OCPS is in a great position to attract many highly qualified candidates for consideration. I’m confident that the board, with input from the community, will hire a superintendent who will continue leading OCPS and its students to high levels of academic achievement.
Redistricting
You've no doubt been hearing about "redistricting" and "reapportionment" of voter boundaries in the news lately. Orange County uses the term "redistricting" while OCPS uses the term "reapportionment". Both represent the constitutionally mandated redrawing of voting district boundaries every 10 years following the federal Census to account for changes in population. By this November, the School Board will vote to approve a new plan on how the voting districts will be reconfigured. District 2, which I'm honored to represent, needs to lose close to 40,000 residents to bring it into balance with the other six districts. The board-appointed Reapportionment Advisory Committee has been reviewing several proposed district maps throughout the summer months and will soon submit one or more options for the school board to consider. To view the proposed maps, visit www.ocps.net/Community/2011RAC/Pages/default.aspx
It's important to note that @@no school rezoning@@ will take place. The Reapportionment Committee will @@only@@ suggest new political voting boundaries for the School Board.
Protect public schools
Lastly, I want to encourage everyone to follow the upcoming 2012 Florida Legislative Session which begins early in January. I expect more legislation will be introduced that favors charter and private schools over traditional public schools. If you believe, as I do, that a well-funded and accountable public school system adds value to our community by educating all students, I urge you to make your voice heard by our governor and state legislative leaders. Education reform should include all stakeholders and be structured to include choice options while at the same time protecting the entire public school system.
As always, never hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. You may contact me at daryl.flynn@ocps.net or 401-317-3200 extension 2989.