OCPS extends contract with third party to boost enrollment

Orange County Public Schools has extended its contract with Caissa Public Strategies, LLC, in an effort to address declining enrollment. 

Caissa Public Strategies, LLC, is a firm based out of Tennessee with experience running student recruitment and retention campaigns for public schools. 

OCPS initially approved a partnership with the firm in April as the district faces competition through Florida's extended voucher program, as well as declining birth rates. 

The goal of the partnership is to encourage formerly enrolled students to return to OCPS-operated schools by showcasing the district’s programs and offerings, officials said.

Strategies Caissa K12 has used to help re-enroll students include phone calls, mass communications and outreach to current, former and prospective students. 

OCPS receives about $8,950 in state funding for every student who re-enrolls and attends an OCPS-operated school for at least 30 instructional days. Per the partnership, Caissa earns $935 per student — 10.44% — who re-enrolls and meets that 30-day threshold. The district then would receive $8,015 per student.

OCPS’ agreement is a piggyback on a similar existing agreement Caissa has with Houston Independent School District, which is effective Feb. 14, 2025, through Feb. 13, 2026, with two automatic annual renewals not to extend beyond Feb. 13, 2028.