This is a copy of part of the invitation that was received by 4 of our School Board Representatives...

PLEASE NOTE: the next community meeting will be held on December 4 as per location and time stated in the body of this letter. Rick Roach has agreed to be present and  inform the community about many of the
community's concerns.  He does not have ALL of the answers, there is STILL MUCH information needed to
answer factually many of the questions that have been asked. He will provide information regarding unitary
status, the policy and procedures that are taken in ...   more »

Falling through the cracks

The Orlando Sentinel

Erika Hobbs
November 20, 2006

As throngs of Orlando parents gear up to fight a plan to close elementary schools, those at one east Orange campus say, 'Take ours.'

Parents from Engelwood Elementary don't care whether the district razes, merges or rebuilds the school -- to them, anything is better than what they have.

'We're tired of being ignored,' PTA President Rita Ortiz said.

The school district is considering a plan to reorganize as many as two dozen public elementary schools as part of an effort to erase traces of racial discrimination ...   more »

Tuesday, parents of students at Pershing Elementary put together a flyer and a town hall meeting. They are getting ready for a fight they never imagined.

Pershing Elementary is an "A" school. It isn't overcrowded and it's minutes from their homes.

"That's why we moved here, so our kids wouldn't have to take a bus to school. So they could walk and be with their friends," said parent Mary Asbury.


But the Orange County School District is considering closing Pershing because it's too small. With just 400 students, it's far below the district ideal of 700.

"I was really upset ...   more »

Orange Schools Consider Big Move The Orlando Sentinel Erika Hobbs October 31, 2006 Orange County School District officials are considering a bold proposal to reorganize more than two dozen public elementary schools -- a move that could shutter or merge several schools -- to erase the traces of racial discrimination in its system.    more »