One-on-One: Budget Cuts and Funding Challenges

In this in-depth interview, Nancy speaks with Dr. Maria Vazquez, Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools, about the district’s budget challenges amid declining student enrollment and the expiration of federal ESSER funds. Dr. Vazquez discusses the impact of losing 3,000 students—resulting in the non-reappointment of 800 teachers—and the district’s efforts to realign staffing and programs with reduced funding. She explains the significance of the Base Student Allocation (BSA), the strain of overspending, and the importance of continued support for public education. The conversation also highlights efforts to re-engage families who’ve left OCPS.