ORLANDO, Fla. – This school year, Orange County Public Schools is experiencing a steeper enrollment decline than anticipated, with nearly 7,000 fewer students than in May. This reduction poses a risk of an additional $25 million loss in funding for the district.

District officials initially estimated a decrease of around 3,000 students, yet Deputy Superintendent Michael Armbruster informed the school board on Tuesday that the actual figure is more than twice that amount.

“It’s crucial to recognize this data is based on head count rather than FTE, which is slightly different,” Armbruster noted. “We are already working with schools to ensure no school faces unnecessary cuts, and I just wanted to make you aware that we have a challenge at hand and are addressing it.”

District records indicate that approximately 3,000 of the absent students come from immigrant families. Several board members expressed concern over the impact, both financially and on the students’ welfare.

“To see them afraid and leaving is heartbreaking,” said District 6 board member Stephanie Vanos.

District 3 board member Alicia Farrant said the focus now must remain on academics and making Orange County schools as strong as possible.

“As a school board, we should prioritize academics, ensuring we do everything to demonstrate that our schools are exceptional,” Farrant stated.

This enrollment decrease is the most significant since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a reduction of 10,000 students in 2020. Currently, the shortfall coincides with the expansion of Florida’s school voucher program, which is attracting thousands of students away from public schools.

Vanos noted the numbers could still change as late enrollees arrive.

“We are only in the first two weeks of school and we won’t really have final numbers until October,” she said. “So we are continuing to monitor what’s happening.”

District officials said they are working with principals to minimize the impact of potential cuts while continuing efforts to bring families back into public schools.

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