On Tuesday, the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) board approved a groundbreaking agreement to provide district employees with priority access to affordable housing. Under this initiative, 20 apartment units—10 at Palm Gardens and 10 at Colonial Gardens on West Colonial Drive—will be reserved for qualifying OCPS staff, including teachers, bus drivers, and food service workers.
This agreement marks a significant step in addressing the housing challenges faced by school employees and is the first of several planned initiatives aimed at recruiting and retaining essential staff. According to the district, efforts to find housing solutions for OCPS employees began last year, with a dedicated committee now meeting regularly to explore viable options.
The Priority Housing Access Agreement received strong support from the Orange Education Support Professionals Association (OESPA), which represents bus drivers, custodians, and paraprofessionals within the district. The Orange County Classroom Teachers Association also acknowledged the district’s recognition of the housing crisis but emphasized that this measure alone is not a comprehensive solution, calling it a “band-aid” to a much larger issue.
Looking ahead, OCPS is actively working on securing additional housing opportunities throughout the county to further assist its employees. As the district continues to address this pressing need, more affordable units are expected to become available, providing critical support for educators and staff navigating the region’s housing challenges.