ORLANDO, Fla. – Orange County schools and law enforcement officials held a back-to-school safety news conference on Monday morning.
At the event, Superintendent Maria Vazquez was joined by Orange County Sheriff John Mina, Orlando police Chief Eric Smith and other district officials.
“When we welcome students and staff back to our campuses, safety and security is top of mind,” Vazquez said.
The gathering at Riverdale Elementary School came two weeks after law enforcement conducted active shooter training at Horizon High School.
“We’ve made it very, very clear to (resource deputies) that they will risk their lives for the protection of our children,” Mina said.
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“There is nothing more important to me and to my deputies than ensuring our children are safe in their schools,” said @SheriffMina at the @OCPSnews #backtoschool event this morning. “I am confident that in Orange County Public Schools, we have some of the best-trained deputies… pic.twitter.com/1jvpRH4zc2
— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) August 7, 2023
When classes begin, another big issue that’s not unique to Orange County is teacher shortages.
The district had more than 350 openings with a classroom vacancy rate of 3.2%.
“We do have a plan to cover all of our classroom vacancies with non-classroom instructional staff, district personnel and Kelly Services substitutes,” Vazquez said.
OCPS also has a shortfall of bus drivers. The district said they would continue last year’s action of doubling up bus routes to ensure students would make it to and from school.
“Until we’re able to hire the sufficient number of people where they can make one trip, this is the best way we can do to bring them in,” Transportation Director Bill Wen said.
Classes for the 2023-2024 school year begin Aug. 10.
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