Superintendent Dr. Maria Vasquez told the board the district had received letters asking that more than 50 schools be considered for colocation under the Schools of Hope provisions in state law. Vasquez said district staff quickly reviewed those submissions and found many to be ineligible or misidentified; the district estimates "the most is 9, but we believe it's closer to 5" eligible schools and plans a work session so the board and public can review the issue in depth.

Vasquez explained the law allows a designated HOPE operator'an entity approved by the State Board of Education'to request to operate in underused or persistently low-performing school facilities and, in some cases, to locate outside an opportunity zone if a suitable facility is not available within the zone. Legal counsel flagged ambiguity in the rule language and noted the Florida Administrative Code citation provided: "Florida Administrative Code rule 6A-1.0998271," which the board identified as having ambiguous terms such as "nearest suitable" or "underused." General counsel told members that such ambiguities are the source of ongoing district concern.

Vasquez said district teams are preparing initial community meetings on school redistricting and will continue to analyze facility utilization, rezonings and micro-school partnerships as potential responses to declining enrollment. She also announced upcoming town-hall style meetings and a December work session where the board will receive more detailed materials and a draft contract for the Eatonville item.

Board members urged parents and residents to engage with lawmakers during the legislative interim period if they have concerns about the law or its implementation, and staff said the district will schedule a work session to provide additional clarity and recommendations.