ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Tensions reached a boiling point during a packed Orange County community gathering on Tuesday evening, as anxious parents and local residents pressed district officials about the potential shutdown of their children’s schools.

This meeting marked the beginning of several discussions organized by Orange County Public Schools, grappling with the decision to close down seven schools due to a drop in student numbers. Union Park Middle School became the venue for concerned parents to gather, demanding clarity and expressing their strong disapproval of the closures.

“It’s devastating,” expressed Carmen Hernandez, whose daughter is in the sixth grade at Union Park Middle. Hernandez attended the event to voice her opposition to the proposed closures.

“For students, it’s about growing alongside their friends,” Hernandez explained. “My daughter is now forming bonds, some of which trace back to her elementary school years. This is more than just a school—it’s a community, and we need to stand united. It’s truly unfortunate.”

Elaine Kaufman, a nearby resident, emphasized the far-reaching impact that closing Union Park Middle would have on the area.

“It would tear the community apart,” Kaufman stated. “Things will never be the same again.”

District officials outlined a proposal that would close Union Park Middle School along with Bonneville Elementary, Chickasaw Elementary, Orlo Vista Elementary, Eccleston Elementary, Meadow Woods Elementary and McCoy Elementary.

According to Orange County Public Schools, the schools are operating well below capacity due to several factors, including an aging population, declining birth rates and increased participation in school choice programs.

Union Park Middle School, for example, has a capacity of approximately 1,500 students but currently enrolls fewer than 600, district officials said.

School Board member Angie Gallo acknowledged the frustration expressed by families but said consolidation is necessary.

“I feel for them. I understand why they are frustrated. I understand why they are mad. I would be, too, as a parent,” Gallo said. “We want to do right by all these families, and we know this is hard and difficult. I wish we didn’t have to be here.”

The Orange County School Board is scheduled to discuss the proposed closures during a workshop meeting on Jan. 27.