Board Notes - Regular Business Meeting and Budget Public Hearing for April 20, 2026

The Orange County Board of Education held a regular business meeting and public budget hearing on April 20, 2026

View all the business items below here

Watch the April 20, 2026, meeting here

The Board posts all meeting materials to Simbli and also displays a calendar of Board and committee meetings on the OCS website. Visit the Board’s page on Simbli for agendas and minutes. Minutes are attached to each meeting after approval by the Board at a future meeting.

RECOGNITIONS

Future Teacher Club Leaders and Students

The Board recognized the Future Teachers Club advisors and students from CRHS and OHS. Following a brief introduction, students shared meaningful experiences and highlighted the impact of the program. 

The Future Teachers Club, supported by a North Carolina New Teacher Support Program grant secured through the Academics department, is open to all interested students and aims to encourage future educators while supporting the district’s efforts to recruit diverse and qualified staff. 

Future Teachers of America Presentation (PDF)

Classified Employees of the Month Spring 2026

Human Resources recognized the Winter and Spring Classified Employees of the Month. This recognition honors outstanding OCS employees whose contributions support the district’s strategic goals. 

Nominees, who must have at least six months of service, are submitted and reviewed anonymously by a panel of nine Central Office staff members, with selections based on how their work advances district priorities. The district extends appreciation to Kim’s Bake Shop and Jersey Mike’s for generously donating prizes, along with staff contributions of OCS swag to support the celebration. 

Diana Ciarochi

EC Teacher Assistant, Hillsborough Elementary  School

January 2026 Classified Employee of The Month 

Joanna Cannone

Teacher Assistant, New Hope Elementary School

February 2026 Classified Employee of the Month 

Jacqueline Whitted

Teacher Assistant, Central Elementary School

March 2026 Classified Employee of The Month 

Natasha Mitchell

Bus Driver

April 2026 Classified Employee of The Month 

OCS Classified Employee of the Month Website 

Autism Awareness Month

In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, the district promotes understanding, respect, and appreciation for individuals with disabilities by honoring their strengths and unique contributions. This observance encourages listening, learning, and fostering inclusive environments that support all students.

Stacey Burns, Executive Director of Exceptional Children and Pre-K Services said, “Students with autism bring important strengths to our classrooms. Students often show strength, focus, creativity, honesty, and attention to details. Classrooms grow stronger because of these contributions.”

National Assistant Principal Week April 6-10, 2026

National Assistant Principal Week is an annual celebration that takes place during the first full week of April (April 6-10). Its purpose is to recognize the impact Assistant Principals have in our local public schools.

Assistant Principals play a vital role in ensuring that each and every student and staff member in our schools feels safe, seen, and supported — from creating a positive environment that facilitates the academic success of every student, to furthering the efforts of principals and fellow educators in service to our students every day. 

Orange County Schools is proud to celebrate and honor our Assistant Principals!

• Wyn Payton and Heather Witherspoon, A.L. Stanback Middle School
• Dr. Bonnie Carmen, Kate Ellison, and Sam Wilkins, Cedar Ridge High School
• Christopher Palmer, Central Elementary School 
• Mark English, Efland-Cheeks Global Elementary School 
• Michael Pulver, Grady A. Brown Elementary School 
• Intisar Hamidullah and John Wood, Gravelly Hill Middle School 
• Alexis Magill, Hillsborough Elementary School 
• Craig Dodson, New Hope Elementary School 
• Chris Campbell, Hunter Lancaster, and Robin Lowman, Orange High School
• Michelle Fournier and Jon Howes, Orange Middle School
• Jangi Hamby, Pathways Elementary School 
• Amanda Boleratz, River Park Elementary School

Superintendent Comments

Dr. Danielle Jones commented on the recent announcement of Orange High School Principal Jason Johnson as National High School Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals: 

“This evening we recognize an extraordinary leader. Someone who represents the very best of Orange County Schools and public education across our nation. For the first time in our district's history, we are celebrating a National High School Principal of the Year, Mr. Jason Johnson.

“This recognition is not just about a title – it’s about impact. It’s about the countless hours, the unwavering commitment, and the deep belief that every child deserves to be seen, supported, and successful. 

“Mr. Johnson embodies what it means to pour everything you have into a community. He leads with purpose, he leads with integrity, and he leads with his heart. Mr. Johnson is a leader of leaders. He puts students first in every decision he makes. He advocates fiercely for his staff – ensuring they feel valued, they feel supported, and empowered to do their best work. I have seen it firsthand.

“And over the past year, he has stepped onto a larger stage advocating across the state of North Carolina for educators at every single level. 

“On a personal note: I want to say how proud I am of you for everything you have accomplished in your 20 plus years in education. I am proud to serve this community alongside you. Thank you for all that you do for each and every student.”

Jason Johnson’s Address at the Board of Education Meeting (2:13:35 to 2:17:58)

CONSENT AGENDA

The Board approved Consent Agenda items, including meeting minutes, personnel report, financial reports, grant approvals, calendar update, policy updates, and contracts. 

Orange County Schools Local Board Budget Passage Resolution

The Orange County Schools Board of Education read aloud and adopted the Local Board Budget Passage Resolution, urging all members of the North Carolina General Assembly to pass a 2026 Appropriations Act. 

Local Board Budget Passage Resolution (PDF)

Local Budget FY2027 Public Hearing

Rhonda Rath, Chief Finance Officer presented the Local Operating Budget for fiscal year 2027,  providing an opportunity for members of the community to provide public comment regarding the FY 2027 Superintendent's Recommended Local Operating Budget presented March 24, 2026.

FY 2027 Local Operating Budget Hearing Presentation

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

FY 2027 Local Operating Budget Approval

The Board approved the FY 2027 Superintendent’s Recommended Local Operating Budget, presented on March 24, 2026. Following the approval of the Local Operating Budget, it will be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for funding consideration.

Orange County Schools 2025-2026 Academic Calendar Updates

The Board of Education approved a calendar change for traditional schools. Friday, May 1, 2026 will now be an optional teacher workday. (Year-round schools already have a teacher workday scheduled for this date.)

All OCS schools meet the state requirement of at least 1,025 instructional hours. However, high schools do not have enough additional hours built into their schedules to miss another full day of instruction. Because of this, any added teacher workday must be balanced by additional instructional time at the high school level. Therefore, June 11 will now be a student day for OCS High Schools only.

Updated 2025-2026 Academic Calendar on the OCS Website
 

WORK SESSION (INFORMATION) ITEMS

Teacher of the Year Roundtable Update

Mariah Morris, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Jose Hidalgo, 2025 OCS Teacher of the Year provided an update to the Board about the 2025-2026 Superintendent’s Teacher of the Year Roundtable.

The Teacher of the Year Roundtable collaborates with the superintendent and district leadership to identify actionable steps to improve employee working conditions across Orange County Schools. The team analyzes data from the NC Teacher Working Conditions Survey and gathers additional feedback from staff on key focus areas. 

Superintendent’s Teacher of the Year Roundtable (Presentation)

Career Technical Education (CTE) Update

Shannon Braxton, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Melinda Forns, Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator provided the Board with an update on the CTE program in Orange County Schools. 

This presentation is in preparation for the annual approval of the CTE Local Application, as required under the federal Carl D. Perkins Act (Perkins V). Each year, the Board of Education must approve the local CTE plan prior to submission to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, ensuring compliance with all applicable state and federal requirements.

Career and Technical Education Local Application (Presentation) 

Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Joint Meeting Discussion

Board members provided input on the proposed agenda for the joint meeting with the Orange County Board of County Commissioners scheduled for April 30, 2026.