By Staff Writer

May 17, 2025 • Alafaya, FL

Key Meeting Dates & How to Participate

Public Hearing on School Attendance Zones

April 1, 2025 (5:00 PM) – Held at the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center, this hearing gathered community feedback on proposed boundary changes for relief schools in East Orange County, including the Alafaya/Waterford Lakes area. Residents could register in advance to speak on draft maps for 97-E-2 (Alafaya/Waterford Lakes Elementary) and 125-M-W-4 (Horizon West Middle) zones. OCPS

Instructional Materials Public Hearing

April 22, 2025 (4:00 PM public comment; 5:00 PM hearing) – In accordance with state law, the Board conducted a noticed hearing to review recommended K–12 materials in math, literacy, science, and social studies. Teachers, parents, and students examined sample resources before the annual adoption vote. OCPS

Budget Public Hearing & Regular Meeting

May 13, 2025 (4:00 PM public comment; 5:00 PM meeting) – The Board held its second & final budget hearing, adopting a 5.5967-mill tentative rate and a $3.4 billion operating budget for 2025–26, which funds staffing, technology, and transportation at Alafaya-area schools. OCPS OCPS

Major Decisions Affecting Alafaya Schools

Rezoning Proposals for Relief
Staff presented draft attendance-zone maps under Policy JC for relief elementary and middle schools serving rapid-growth corridors. Community survey results and April 1 testimony will guide final map adjustments at an upcoming rule-development workshop. OCPS
Instructional Materials Adoption
Following the April 22 hearing, the Board will approve updated K–5 literacy suites, new problem-solving mathematics programs for grades 3–8, and inquiry-based science modules for secondary levels—aligning with UCF-area curriculum priorities. OCPS
Budget & Millage Approval
At the May 13 meeting, the Board adopted the tentative 5.5967-mill property-tax rate and a $3.4 billion budget. Alafaya schools will see reallocated resources for bus-route enhancements, classroom-technology upgrades, and retention incentives in response to enrollment shifts in the corridor. OCPS
Policy Update: Religious Expression
On April 22, the Board adopted Policy ACD (Religious Expression in Public Schools), clarifying students’ and staff members’ rights for private religious expression on campus—applicable district-wide, including Alafaya-area schools. OCPS

What’s Next

June 10, 2025 (Regular Meeting, 5 PM)
June 24, 2025 (Regular Meeting, 5 PM) OCPS

To register for public comment and view agendas, visit the OCPS “Meeting Notices, Agendas & Minutes” page or tune in live via the OCPS Board YouTube channel. For detailed packets and minutes, see the BoardDocs portal.

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School Board Meetings & Decisions Impacting Alafaya, Florida

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