Having lived in Florida for most of my life, I’m very aware of the strange things happening down on America’s peninsula. However, I can’t say that I expected Orange County Public Schools to quite literally send out an email detailing how students should consider online classes amid teacher shortages. The email detailed how Florida Statute 1011.62 in HB 5101 is to blame, as it will be reducing funding for advanced courses, impacting the opportunities that students will be able to qualify for. It definitely seems like dark times are ahead for Florida.
Update: The following email was never actually sent to parents from Orange County Public Schools. As per the Director of Media Relations, Shari Bobinski, “There was no email sent out by Orange County Public Schools nor a principal in OCPS that students should consider online classes amid teacher shortages.”
The image above offers a detailed view of the email referenced earlier. The advanced courses affected include AP, IB, AICE, Dual Enrollment, and CAPE, all facing nearly a 50% reduction in funding, which translates to approximately $16.8 million in cuts. Various commenters have shared that their children are currently enrolled in these courses to qualify for specific higher education benefits. Some commenters have also noted their own experiences taking these courses in their youth and how they positively impacted their lives.
“Well, there goes our education…”
AP classes provide students with the opportunity to earn college credit that can be applied toward their degrees, while Dual Enrollment allows them to take college courses alongside their high school classes. Given the high cost of college education, it is crucial for some students to participate in these programs to enhance their chances of obtaining scholarships or funding. It is truly disheartening to see the educational system being adjusted so precariously.
In response to the complete removal of rights for students in Florida, several comments on the post offer advice on how to contact Florida Senator Rick Scott and other state representatives. Ultimately, that’s the most effective way to prompt action from those in power: by making enough noise that they have no choice but to reconsider their decisions. We can only hope that come next school year, students won’t need to worry about having their academic achievements compromised. Maybe teachers will be given a valid reason to hold a job at a public school.
Although the first name of the principal who wrote the email is not visible, it is believed to have originated from Principal Jackie Ramsey of Dr. Phillips High School, located near Orlando, Florida. The school is renowned for its diverse extracurricular activities and boasts a long list of notable alumni, including DJ Khaled. Additionally, Dr. Phillips High School has achieved recognition for winning various state championships in different sports organized by the Florida High School Athletic Association.
