SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — About 58,000 students are expected to return to Seminole County classrooms in the coming days as the district prepares for the first day of school.
Seminole County Public Schools, the state’s 13th-largest district, is highlighting its strong academic reputation. District officials say 95% of its schools received an A or B grade.
But like many districts across Florida, Seminole County is facing declining enrollment. Officials estimate between 1,500 and 2,000 students did not re-enroll for the new school year.
The decline has forced the district to make difficult budget decisions. School Board Chair Dr. Robin Dehlinger said the district is not planning to close any schools but will look for efficiencies, including sharing staff between nearby campuses.
That could mean one bookkeeper serving two elementary schools, a shared secretary, or coaches working at multiple smaller schools.
The district also cut 300 jobs ahead of the new school year as officials worked to balance the budget.
“It’s never easy,” Superintendent Serita D. Beamon said, acknowledging the challenges of adjusting staffing and resources across the district.
Despite the cuts and enrollment decline, district leaders say they remain focused on maintaining Seminole County’s academic performance and preparing students for a successful school year.
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