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Orange County Public Schools, police departments at odds over SRO funding

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Published  January 14, 2025 9:44pm EST
Orange County
FOX 35 Orlando

Will school resources officers remain in Orange County?

FOX 35's Randi Hildreth has the latest information after a deal was not reached with Orange County Schools determining the future of school resources officers in the district.

The Brief

    • Orange County Public Schools and several local police departments are deadlocked over funding for school resource officers, with police demanding higher reimbursements.
    • The district proposed a 20% increase to $72,000 per officer, but some departments argue the true cost exceeds $120,000 annually.
    • If no agreement is reached, the district may consider the Guardian Program, though concerns remain about training and equitable school safety.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Orange County Public Schools and several local police departments still can’t agree on School Resource Officer (SRO) funding.

The district confirmed there was a private meeting on Tuesday to work through the details.

‘Frustration on both ends’ in SRO funding fight

What they're saying:

In a statement to FOX 35, a representative wrote, "Orange County Public Schools met today with the representatives from the cities of Apopka, Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden, and Winter Park who are without a contract for School Resource Officer coverage beyond the current school year. The parties had a productive discussion and shared their positions regarding SRO reimbursement for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. The parties agreed to continue discussions."

The issue is over SRO salaries.

The district offered a three-year contract with roughly $72,000 in salary reimbursements, with increases promised. It’s an estimated 20% increase, and officials say it’s the best they can do without cutting money from the classroom.

Four agencies — including the Orange County Sheriff’s Office — agreed to the deal. However, Apopka Police, Ocoee Police, Windermere Police, Winter Garden Police, and Winter Park Police Department say it’s not enough.

Apopka Police say it costs more than $120,000 to pay each officer and provide equipment.

"I can understand the frustrations on both ends. Finances are tight for everyone," said Alicia Farrant, School Board Member for District 3.

District 3 School Board Member Alicia Farrant is hopeful the superintendent and local police can find some middle ground for safety.

If not, the leaders have discussed exploring the Guardian Program, which brings in retired law enforcement to protect schools. However, the district would need to act quickly because guardians require training before next year.

"I believe 144 training," said Farrant. "They have great training, but for a guardian program there is training."

Not every school board member supports the Guardian Program as a Plan B.

"At a minimum, a perception that certain schools are not as safe as others," said District 6 School Board Member Stephanie Vanos, who represents schools impacted by the funding fight.

Vanos says there has also been discussion about paying the Orange County Sheriff’s Office more to cover the additional schools.

"We continue to work because I know that what we want is to have school resources in our schools," said Vanos.

What we don't know:

The district has not announced when negotiations will continue.

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Orange County Public Schools.

Orange CountyOrlandoEducationCrime and Public Safety