Orange County School Board reviews student assignment policy amid declining enrollment

The Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) Board convened on February 11, 2025, to discuss the JCA policy regarding the assignment of students to schools. The primary focus of the meeting was to gather feedback from board members on potential changes to the student transfer policy, particularly in light of declining enrollment and increased competition from scholarship programs.

General Counsel John Palmerini initiated the discussion by highlighting the need for board member input on expanding school choice options. He noted that several members had expressed interest in reviewing the policy to facilitate easier transfers for students, especially to under-enrolled schools. Board member Amber Galloway emphasized the importance of revising the policy to enhance recruitment and retention of students, suggesting that the current parameters often create barriers for families seeking enrollment.

Galloway proposed the idea of open enrollment, allowing students to attend any school of their choice, which she believes could help address the challenges posed by declining enrollment. She also raised concerns about the difficulties families face when trying to enroll siblings in the same school, advocating for a more accommodating approach that would allow siblings to enroll together if one is already attending.

Other board members echoed Galloway's sentiments, with Member Ferrant suggesting that the policy should be revised to ensure that if one sibling is granted a transfer, the other siblings should also have the opportunity to enroll in the same school, provided there is capacity. Superintendent Vasquez acknowledged the need for clearer language in the policy regarding sibling transfers, while also cautioning that certain exceptions may apply based on individual student needs.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of increasing school choice, with some members expressing concerns about the potential impact on under-enrolled schools. Vice Chair Burt highlighted the importance of marketing schools effectively to ensure parents are aware of their options, while also stressing the need to maintain diversity within schools.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of revisiting the JCA policy to make it more user-friendly for families, while also addressing the complexities of sibling enrollment and the potential consequences of open enrollment. The board plans to continue discussions on these topics in future sessions, aiming to create a more equitable and accessible school choice system for all students in Orange County.