School Board Weighs $1.5M Pine Castle Property Sale
Orange County Public Schools proposes selling a vacant six-acre former elementary school site to neighboring Cornerstone Charter Academy.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Primary Education
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Orange County Public Schools has proposed selling the former Pine Castle Elementary property on Waltham Avenue for $1.5 million. Cornerstone Charter Academy, which sits next to the site, is the highest bidder.
Why it matters
The district lost about $23 million this fiscal year, largely due to declining enrollment, and has consolidated seven schools. Sale proceeds must go into a capital budget and cannot be used for teacher salaries or support staff benefits.
The proposed $1.5 million sale covers a 6-acre site on Waltham Avenue against a $7.9 billion approved budget. The School Board has not yet voted, and the sale remains subject to its November 9, 2026 decision.
The players
Orange County Public Schools
The public school district that owns the former Pine Castle Elementary property and oversees the county's schools.
Cornerstone Charter Academy
A charter school located next to the site and the highest bidder for the property, which it plans to use for sports fields.
The details
The former Pine Castle Elementary School has been vacant since the school closed several years ago. Under a proposed agreement, the district would retain the right to use the property if needed even if the sale goes through.
Timeline
Several years ago: Pine Castle Elementary School closed, leaving the site vacant.
This fiscal year: The district lost about $23 million, largely due to declining enrollment.
November 9, 2026: The Orange County School Board is scheduled to vote on the sale.
Season Trajectory
Orange County's shrinking enrollment has forced the district to consolidate schools and sell surplus property to cover budget shortfalls. The Pine Castle sale follows that pattern of converting closed campuses into revenue.
Families in the Pine Castle area may see the vacant campus converted to charter school recreation space if the sale is approved. Parents tracking school options should watch the November 9 vote for changes to nearby facilities.
The takeaway
Declining enrollment is reshaping how districts use their buildings, and surplus campuses are becoming budget tools. Residents can follow the November 9 School Board vote to see how the proceeds are allocated.
What happens next
The Orange County School Board is scheduled to vote on the proposed $1.5 million sale at its November 9, 2026 meeting.
Further reading
For more on how school systems handle closures and enrollment changes, explore Primary Education coverage.
Live Poll
Do you support selling vacant school property to help cover district budget shortfalls?
