ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County Public School board members on Tuesday discussed how they hope to continue to support their employees by partnering with affordable housing complexes to ensure they have priority consideration.

OCPS is working to have partnerships across the county as five locations have been approved so far by the board, but there are some still left to be approved.

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Bridget Williams shared a presentation outlining the district’s plan to obtain more affordable housing options for their employees during the meeting.

She said the goal is for OCPS to partner with community stakeholders to access existing workforce housing opportunities, including multi-bedroom apartments in Apopka and East Orange County to help OCPS employees and their families.

The Catchlight Crossings in East Orange County is set to open in 2026 and is even offering tuition-free preschool.

OCPS middle school teacher Hannah Ragbir already lives in the Palm Gardens Orlando Apartments, and she explained that it was tough to find housing at first since she is an international exchange teacher but enjoys where she lives.

Ragbir said she also thinks it’s great that bigger households are being considered.

“People may think, ‘But where would the family go, especially if you have a big family?’ You know? So, I think it's really, really nice that you're actually looking up for not only us, but our family as well," Ragbir explained.

OCPS also honored two employees who have been approved to move into Palm Gardens, including North Star of Orlando Food and Nutrition Specialist Tangela Smith.

Smith said she had to take a year off of work after battling pneumonia and COVID-19 and has faced tough times.

So, to be able to find affordable housing through OCPS partnerships has made a world of difference.

“I feel well-appreciated as an employee there that they’re targeting to accommodate us with housing and like they said, in the near future, they’re working on free childcare and other sites that they’re going to bring up to accommodate all the employees at Orange County Public Schools, if needed," Smith explained.

Smith and Carla Jones also received $500 gift cards to help with their moving expenses. It was a surprise that meant a lot to Smith as she says she was worried about how she was going to make the move.

But with this gift, she plans on using it toward the down payment for Palm Gardens as she works to get back on track financially.

The board has approved agreements for Palm Gardens Orlando Apartments, Colonial Gardens, Southwick Commons in Apopka, The Mira in Apopka and Catchlight Crossings in East Orange County. The Enclave at Canopy Park is awaiting approval from the board and Williams said they are working on other partnerships.

So, in the meantime, Williams said the district will continue to meet with stakeholders to try not only to secure housing, but fight to get free childcare and higher pay for employees.