Orange Park High Students Protest Funding Cuts to Educational Programs

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A group of students at Orange Park High School protested after school hours on Wednesday to voice their concerns over potential cuts to state funding for advanced educational programs.

The demonstration occurred on the school grounds and was reported to have taken place after regular school hours, ensuring no disruption to class time, according to a school district spokesperson.

On Tuesday, a motion to support funding for education acceleration programs, including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Dual Enrollment, failed when it received only 10 votes, needing 13 to pass. These programs are at risk if proposed state funding cuts move forward.

“It’s obviously an effort to control people’s education. They’re trying to leave us uneducated by cutting every single form of education, like books and funding,” said Sylvia McCraine, a student involved in the protest.

The students organized the protest after discussions in class about a controversial bill known as 5101, which was recently tabled. “We were inspired to take a stand because we don’t really have a voice, but this is our opportunity,” said student Presley Decker.

In addition to the protest, the students are sending letters to lawmakers asking for support in their fight for a better education system. “The only people who are going to fight for education are the educated people. If we don’t say something now, nobody’s going to take initiative to help us when we need it,” stated student Caroline White.