Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) and Board Member Anne Douglas is inviting community members to a meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Water Spring Elementary School. The meeting will focus on the 30% design phase of the upcoming elementary school, designated as Site 126-E-4, which is scheduled to open for the 2026-27 academic year.

This new school is being planned along Hartzog Road to help relieve overcrowding at Water Spring Elementary in Horizon West, which started the school year operating at 135% capacity. As Horizon West continues to experience rapid growth, the need for additional schools remains a pressing issue. OCPS has been actively expanding educational facilities to keep pace with the increasing student population.

The funding for new schools like Site 126-E-4 has been supported by the half-cent sales tax, which was originally approved by Orange County voters in 2002. The tax was renewed in 2014 and again in 2024, providing a critical revenue stream for school construction and renovations. Since its implementation, the tax has helped fund the renovation of 136 schools and the construction of 65 new ones. A significant portion of this funding has come from tourists and non-residents, reducing the burden on local taxpayers.

The upcoming community meeting will allow residents to engage with OCPS officials, learn more about the design and construction plans, and provide input on the project. Community participation will be essential in shaping the new school to best serve the needs of Horizon West families.