Let’s Talk: Neighborhood Education Forum Recap

 
 

Neighborhood Education Forum Overview

On May 14 and 21, more than 150 community members came together at the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center to discuss the future of education for children and families in the 32805 ZIP Code.

The gatherings included residents, parents, educators, elected officials, Orange County Public School staff, and nonprofit partners. Together, we shared ideas, concerns, and hopes for what education could look like in their community.

There was strong support for schools that offer a safe, supportive environment—one that nurtures creativity, builds real-world skills, encourages self-expression, and helps students see a clear path to a successful future. The feedback in the room made one thing clear: the community desires a school that truly reflects its values, needs, and dreams for our youth.

Legislative Update

Orange County Public Schools is projected to lose over 3,100 students and approximately $28 million in state funding for the upcoming school year. This decline in enrollment is the largest since the COVID-19 pandemic and is attributed to declining birth rates and the expansion of the state's school voucher program.

New School Choice Options

1. School districts must share local sales tax money with charter schools, based on how many students they have. All charter schools will be evaluated using the same tool created by the State Board of Education to track how well they are doing.

2. Converting to a Charter School: To change a regular school into a charter school, only parents of current students need to apply. Teacher approval is no longer required.

3. "Job Engine" Charter Schools: Cities can start special charter schools that focus on job creation and economic growth.

4. Schools of Hope: More charter school operators can now open schools inside public school buildings.

5. The Personalized Education Program is available for Florida students who are not full-time private or public school students. This scholarship provides an educational savings account (ESA) to fund the educational needs of eligible students.

Key Feedback from the Forums - Produced by Polis Institute

When asked what they valued most in their own education—and what they want for today’s students—participants highlighted three core priorities:

1. Strong, Caring Relationships

“Teachers who really cared,” mentors, and safe peer communities made all the difference.

Relationships built on trust, encouragement, and support were mentioned as the foundation for meaningful learning experiences.

2. Hands-On, Real-World Learning

Community members want school to feel relevant and exciting.

Suggestions included coding, STEM, arts, trades, entrepreneurship, and life skills taught through projects, field trips, and “day-in-the-life” experiences.

3. Transparent Family Partnerships

Families want to be empowered as partners in education.

Parents called for clear communication, alignment across early learning programs, easier system navigation, and safe, enriching options for after-school and summer.

Get Involved - You’re Invited

  • Friday, August 8 – Back-to-School Open House, Forum Results & Next Steps

    • Location: Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center - 710 S. Tampa Ave. Orlando, FL

    • 4-8 p.m.

    • Food Trucks, games, resources, music, backpack giveaways, and more

    • RSVP: HeartofWestLakes.com/openhouse

Contact

To learn more about who we are and how you can get involved, visit LiftOrlando.org or join us for a neighborhood tour.

For questions and feedback, please contact Education@LiftOrlando.org

Sign up for updates, text Heart to (866) 462-7014.