OCPS eliminates more than 200 positions

The Orange County Public Schools system is going through changes. 

On Sunday, April 12, OCPS Deputy Superintendent Jose Martinez sent an email to all staff members regarding enrollment decline, which subsequently has led to a 3% reduction at the district level, with more than 200 positions being eliminated. 

As enrollment declines, so does the funding OCPS receives. 

"These were not symbolic cuts," Martinez said in his email. "They required real restructuring, real loss and real change across departments. These reductions were made before any reductions occurred at the school level, because leadership carries a responsibility to absorb the weight first and confront the realities others are being asked to navigate."

It is important to note most of these 200 positions were unfilled, meaning while 200 positions are being eliminated, it does equate to 200 people losing their jobs. 

Michael Ollendorff, OCPS media relations administration, said OCPS is prioritizing people over positions. 

He said funded, unfilled district-level positions are being cut so funding can go elsewhere, while employees in positions being eliminated are put in an "unassigned list," or moved to different positions. 

SAFE Coordinator positions also have been eliminated due to funding, however, mental health services will continue to be available to students. 

OCPS is prioritizing licensed and certified mental-health professionals such as counselors and social workers, with student safety, quality of care and long‑term sustainability as the highest priorities.

"I want to say this plainly: we are navigating a period of significant financial constraint, and there are no painless paths through it," Martinez said in his email. "Jobs are being lost. Health care costs are rising. Resources are tighter than they have been in years. ...While this moment brings difficult change, and change will continue, it also opens the door to growth, innovation and new ways of working together. These choices are not easy, but they are necessary, and they position us to emerge stronger, better aligned, more focused, and more prepared to serve students and support one another well into the future."