On June 24, 2025, the Osceola County School District held a board workshop that focused on enhancing educational options and community engagement. The meeting highlighted several key initiatives aimed at improving access to education for families, particularly those in underserved communities.

One of the primary discussions centered around the district's efforts to reach out to parents who may not be able to attend school events. Board members emphasized the importance of engaging these families, particularly through new Educational Support and Empowerment (ESE) hubs. The district is planning sessions specifically designed for parents to gather feedback and provide information about available resources.

A significant topic was the Student Empowerment Scholarship, which allows families to choose educational options that best fit their children's needs. The district is working to become a vendor for the Step Up for Students program, which will enable them to serve students in home education. This initiative aims to provide a flexible course catalog, allowing students to enroll in classes that interest them, thereby encouraging families to consider returning to district schools.

To promote these educational opportunities, the district is launching a marketing campaign aimed at home education families. This campaign will inform them about the available scholarships and educational options for the upcoming school year. However, it was noted that the scholarship application timeline for the 2025-2026 school year has already passed, which may limit immediate outreach efforts.

The meeting also addressed the need for improved parent engagement through academies that provide educational resources. While the district has seen some success in hosting in-person parent academies, attendance remains low, with only 39 parents participating recently. Board members discussed the potential for expanding these offerings to include virtual options, allowing parents to access information at their convenience.

Additionally, the district is enhancing its social media outreach to better connect with the community. The recent launch of ParentSquare, a communication platform for parents and staff, aims to streamline interactions and provide personalized updates. Board members suggested incorporating demonstrations at school events to help parents navigate this new tool effectively.

In conclusion, the Osceola County School District's workshop underscored its commitment to improving educational access and community engagement. By focusing on outreach to underserved families and enhancing communication channels, the district aims to foster a more inclusive educational environment. As these initiatives progress, the district will continue to seek feedback and adapt its strategies to meet the needs of all families in the community.