Public-Private Partnership Overview
A Neighborhood-Approach to Education
Proposed Memorandum of Agreement | Lift Orlando & Orange County Public Schools
On October 14, 2025, Lift Orlando participated in a working session regarding a proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Orange County School Board as the next step in exploring a unique public-private partnership designed to improve education outcomes in the 32805 ZIP Code. The recorded working session is available here. This discussion sets the stage for a formal board vote on October 28, 2025.
Lift Orlando and Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) aim to create an innovative model that strengthens academic achievement, enhances wraparound services, and builds stronger connections between schools and the neighborhoods they serve.
We're seeking to pilot this new public-private partnership with Orange County Public Schools at Orange Center Elementary. While Orange Center Elementary would serve as the pilot site, our commitment extends to supporting surrounding neighborhood schools that feed into Jones High School as well, ensuring that more students across the 32805 ZIP Code benefit from this collective effort.
Following the board vote on October 28, we will actively engage local parents to gather their input and support before launching the model at the pilot school. Parents at Orange Center Elementary will be the first to have the opportunity to consider converting their school and becoming part of this new collaboration with OCPS. Parents and families will continue to play a vital role every step of the way.
Together with parents, OCPS, and community partners, we are working to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to thrive right here in our neighborhood. We will share updates as this process moves forward.
Additional details about the proposed MOA
What is being proposed? Lift Orlando and OCPS are exploring a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership to create a new school model that combines the flexibility of an independently operated school with the support and accountability of the district.
Why Orange Center Elementary? Lift Orlando has a longstanding relationship with Orange Center Elementary. Together with OCPS, we identified the school as a strong pilot site based on its rich history, potential for accelerated student outcomes, and proximity to existing community supports.
Who will operate the school? The pilot school would be operated by an independent nonprofit called the Neighborhood Schools Initiative, supported by Lift Orlando and OCPS. This structure allows for flexibility in staffing, budget, and curriculum while maintaining public oversight.
How will families and the community be involved? After the board vote, we will engage parents to gather their input and approval for launching the pilot model. An Education Advisory Committee (EAC) will also be developed to represent the voices of residents, educators, and community partners. Parents and families will continue to have opportunities to stay engaged throughout the planning process.
Will local students be prioritized? Yes. Students currently zoned for Orange Center Elementary will receive priority enrollment in the pilot school, ensuring that the model serves the children and families in the immediate community first.
What happens with current staff? Teachers and staff at Orange Center Elementary will be prioritized for employment at the pilot school if they wish to continue working there. Lift Orlando and OCPS are committed to providing support, competitive compensation, and professional development opportunities to retain the best educators and staff.
When could this start? If approved by the board and supported by parents, the pilot school could launch in summer 2026, ahead of the 2026–2027 school year.
Will this partnership impact or change Jones High School? This public-private partnership will not change Jones High School, but it will impact it as more well-prepared students will feed into school, which will benefit the entire community.
More information will be available following the board meeting on October 28, 2025.
Contact
For questions and feedback, please contact Mark Shamley at Education@LiftOrlando.org.
For media inquiries, please email C. Major at Major@LiftOrlando.org.