Lake County Schools is moving ahead with a proposal to combine Oak Park Middle School and Carver Middle School into one larger middle school based at the Carver campus, a move the district says will ease staffing strains and open the door to more classes for students. If the School Board signs off, renovations at Carver would start this summer, and the merged school is slated to open in Fall 2027. Families would get a one-year transition window, with both campuses still operating separately during the 2026-27 school year.
District Plan and Rollout Timeline
According to Lake County Schools, the district plans to consolidate academic programming onto the Carver campus while keeping Oak Park and Carver functioning as two distinct schools through the 2026-27 school year. District officials say the larger combined campus would make it possible to offer more electives, including culinary arts, robotics, and digital design, and to introduce Pre-AICE coursework that prepares students for the Cambridge program at Leesburg High School. The district has already announced two public open houses and is calling for community committees to help choose the new school’s culture markers, including colors and a mascot.
Staffing Pressures and Local Reaction
At a recent School Board meeting, the principals of both schools stood side by side in matching shirts that read “We are stronger together,” a carefully choreographed show of unity as the merger was discussed. Deputy Superintendent Chad Farnsworth told the board the consolidation would cut down on the number of different subjects teachers are required to cover and “lighten their load,” as reported by WKMG/ClickOrlando. District leaders also stressed that they want to preserve the histories and traditions of both schools even as they broaden academic options.
Parents, Open Houses and Ongoing Concerns
During open houses last week, some parents questioned whether moving all students onto a single campus would create safety or transportation issues. District officials responded that they plan to provide transportation for students who currently walk or bike to Oak Park, according to reporting by Spectrum News 13. District spokespeople also told families they intend to keep staff from both schools on board, even as programs are combined and expanded. The School Board was scheduled to take up the proposal on June 8.
Enrollment Numbers and What a Merger Could Fund
Federal data show Oak Park and Carver enroll a combined total of roughly 1,295 students. Carver reported about 737 students and Oak Park about 558 in the 2024-25 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics and the National Center for Education Statistics. District officials say those combined enrollment figures suggest a single, larger campus could support a broader slate of electives and more career and technical pathways than either school can sustain on its own.
Next Steps and Community Input
If the School Board approves the consolidation plan, the district says construction and renovations at Carver would begin this summer, with the merged middle school opening its doors in Fall 2027. Lake County Schools has outlined a yearlong transition process and plans to convene committees of students, families, and staff to guide decisions on rebranding, school culture, and academic programming, according to the district announcement.
Part of a Bigger Florida Trend
The Leesburg proposal is unfolding as other Florida districts grapple with similar choices amid declining enrollment and financial pressure. Earlier this year, ClickOrlando reported that Orange County voted to close seven schools. Across Central Florida, consolidation plans have triggered packed public hearings as parents seek clarity on everything from busing routes and class sizes to which programs will survive on the remaining campuses.
Families in Leesburg who want to weigh in can follow district updates and attend upcoming board meetings. Lake County Schools has said it will keep the community informed as plans move forward, and the district is urging families to join committees and monitor its website for timelines and opportunities to speak up.
