Overview
- Orange County officials said all reviewed applications to run 'Schools of Hope' inside district campuses have been denied, citing ineligibility and lack of state authorization.
- More than 65 notices have reached Orange County, with targeted sites including Hungerford, Washington Shores and Ivey Lane elementaries.
- Public records show 690 notices statewide across 22 districts, nearly half from BridgePrep, which is not designated as a hope operator.
- Under state rules, approved charter operators could occupy underused classrooms rent‑free while districts cover maintenance and services, prompting concerns over operations, staffing and scheduling.
- Hillsborough County approved roughly $150 million in new school construction while preparing for potential co‑location attempts, as its superintendent reported 22 notices and Sen. Darryl Rouson prepares a repeal effort for the next session.