About this Video

• Video Title: OCPS | 2025-05-13 School Board Work Session
• Channel: OCPS Boardmeetings
• Speakers: Multiple OCPS board members, Dr. Vasquez, Rory Salini, Jonathan Earles, Tommy Moore, Jasmine Lambert, Mike Winter, Chad Brewer, Superintendent, and other OCPS staff.
• Duration: 3:49:23

Introduction

This video is a recording of an Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) School Board Work Session held on May 13, 2025. The session focuses on a facilities update and capital program needs, covering maintenance, custodial operations, new school construction, capacity enhancements, renovations, and ancillary facility needs. The purpose is to inform the board members about the current state of OCPS facilities, present plans for future projects, and discuss budgetary requirements.

Key Takeaways

• Facilities Strategy: OCPS aims to create optimal learning environments by focusing on capital construction, maintenance, and operational improvements. This includes opening new schools, adding permanent capacity, reducing portable classrooms, and improving maintenance and custodial services.
• Capital Program: The district's capital program is designed for a 50-year building life cycle, including comprehensive renovations approximately every 25 years and regular system renewals. The program's cost is estimated at nearly $8.5 billion over 10 years.
• Enrollment Projections: While overall enrollment is declining, growth in certain areas necessitates new school construction, although fewer than previously projected. The district is also addressing underutilized schools.
• Maintenance & Custodial Operations: OCPS uses a modern work order management system (Facilitron) to improve efficiency and communication. Staffing remains a challenge, particularly in HVAC and plumbing. Custodial services show high employee satisfaction.
• Project Update: Many projects are underway, including new school construction, capacity enhancements, and comprehensive renovations. The district is also implementing several initiatives, such as inclusive restrooms, vape detection, shade structures, and enhanced safety and security systems.
• Ancillary Facilities: Significant renovations are needed for ancillary facilities, with a proposed plan for consolidation and new construction at the John T. Morris facilities complex.
• Sustainability: OCPS aims to reduce energy use and achieve higher Green Globes ratings for new schools. Modernization efforts show an approximate 8% reduction in electricity consumption per square foot.
• Impact Fees & Vision 2050: The district is conducting a school impact fee study and considering options for affordable housing development waivers in light of Vision 2050, the county's new comprehensive plan.

Based solely on the provided transcript, Arbor Ridge K8 is mentioned in two contexts:

1. Lack of Gymnasium: The transcript notes that Arbor Ridge K8 is one of two remaining K8 schools without a gymnasium, and the addition of a gymnasium is listed as a potential future capital project.

2. High Growth Area: Board member Gallo mentions Arbor Ridge in the context of a high growth area in District 2, highlighting the significant development happening in that area. This suggests a potential future need for additional capacity at Arbor Ridge.