Central Florida's school districts continue to struggle with a growing student population.

Officials in those districts say charter schools might help absorb new students. But they're also not happy with a new state law that requires them to share local facilities funding with charters they authorize.

In Lake County, nearly half the schools are at capacity. Officials expect 17 out of 42 schools will be over capacity by 2022.  By then, they estimate the district will grow by 1,400 students. The district lacks an ample funding source to build new schools.

In Osceola, the student population grew by 1,130 during the 2016-17 school year, according to data from the Florida Department of Education.

Charter schools have provided a relief valve in both districts, helping absorb students and reduce crowding. The same is true in other places, like southern Hillsborough County. 

But a new law signed this year may change the calculus for some districts. Lake County officials, for example, say the new requirement that districts share local capital funding with charter schools may make it harder for them to save up for future building projects.

Growth in Osceola charter schools (more…)