ORANGE COUNTY, Florida. – As students in Orange County return to school on Monday, the district also faces some challenges as it begins the new school year.

During a press conference Friday, Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Vazquez said the district is working with contractors to complete inspections of Howard Middle School and Luminary Middle School.

There were delays in construction and renovation work on both campuses, and no building permits had been issued as of Friday morning.

“It’s not always easy to prepare schools for staff and students,” Vazquez said. “If we don’t get approval for enrollment, students probably won’t be in school on Monday.”

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Vazquez said inspectors have been at all schools this week and that the district is providing parents with daily updates.

“It’s never been this close,” Vazquez said. “I want to know what we could have done differently if we hold our contractors accountable.”

Another problem for the district is the shortage of bus drivers. With about 100 more drivers needed, OCPS said current drivers would be doing double runs.

“Please be patient with us. When we find out who is actually riding, we can combine some of these trips,” said Transportation Director Bill Wen.

Due to recent changes in state law, the district has also implemented new security procedures.

The measures include:

• Do not leave classroom doors open or blocked.

• All exterior gates must be closed and locked while students are on campus.

• All visitors must carry identification at all times.

• All external persons, including police officers, who are not on campus for work reasons must report to reception.

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