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  • Melissa Byrd Profile

    Melissa Byrd represents District 7 on the Orange County School Board. She has previously taught at Forest City Elementary and Pace Brantley Hall School, served as PTSA vice president and chair of the School Advisory Council at Piedmont Lakes Middle, and volunteered at Clay Springs Elementary.
Melissa Byrd
OP-ED: School board enjoys delicious visit to Wekiva High SchoolThe Apopka Chief
Melissa Byrd
January 29, 2026
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Anyone who knows me knows that I am extremely proud of the Wekiva High School Culinary Magnet program. I never miss an opportunity to brag about…
Melissa Byrd
OP-ED: Apopka, Wekiva beat state graduation ratesThe Apopka Chief
Melissa Byrd
January 21, 2026
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Last week, the Florida Department of Education released the official graduation rates for the class of 2025. Once again, the strong effort of our public schools…
Melissa Byrd
OP-ED: OCPS weighing school closuresThe Apopka Chief
Melissa Byrd
January 14, 2026
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We saw a drop of about 6,600 students this year alone. Looking at enrollment over the last three years, district enrollment declined by approximately 8,667 students, representing a…
Melissa Byrd
OP-ED: Band performances illustrate life-shaping school experiencesThe Apopka Chief
Melissa Byrd
January 8, 2026
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Our Apopka Blue Darter and Wekiva Mustang marching bands certainly had a great break. Both of our local bands were honored to be invited to participate in very special…