Board Notes - Regular Meeting for May 18, 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 May 18, 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

OCS Youth Poet Laureate

We are proud to recognize and congratulate the students selected as the 2026 OCS Youth Poet Laureate and the 2026 OHS Youth Poet Laureate. Avery Catalano from Cedar Ridge High School has been named the 2026 Orange County Schools Youth Poet Laureate. Elizabeth Crews Davis has been named the 2026 Orange High School Youth Poet Laureate.  

OCS Youth Poets Laureate Recognitions (Presentation)

Governor’s School Nomination

The North Carolina Governor's School is a four-week summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students, integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses on each of two campuses. Learning focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each discipline, and it does not involve credit, tests, or grades. 

Students are selected to attend through a competitive process after being nominated by their public school unit or non-public school. OCS is proud to recognize the following students for being selected to attend during the summer of 2026:

• Mary Kenan, Cedar Ridge High School (English) 
• Jaiden Lytle, Cedar Ridge High School (Natural Sciences) 
• Oscar Rosen Powers, Cedar Ridge High School (Social Sciences)
• Tristan Tiani, Orange High School (Mathematics)

Summer 2026 Governor’s School Award Winners (Presentation)

Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8, 2026)

We asked our community to help recognize teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8. This was our second year offering to deliver digital "thank you" cards to any educators in OCS, open to anyone in our community: students, families, staff, and the general public. 

Teacher Appreciation in Orange County Schools (Website)

School Lunch Hero Day (May 1, 2026) 

School Lunch Hero Day has been celebrated annually since 2013 on the first Friday in May to recognize the vital role that school nutrition plays in the health and education of our students. Created by Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the Lunch Lady book series and supported by the School Nutrition Association, this day is an opportunity for schools, communities and school boards to express appreciation for the tireless work of cafeteria and administrative staff who ensure that students receive nutritious, well-balanced meals every day.

These unsung heroes not only prepare and serve meals but also promote healthy eating habits, support students with dietary needs, and help create a welcoming environment in school cafeterias.  Their dedication contributes significantly to student academic success and overall well-being.

In honor of School Lunch Hero Day, the Board recognizes the professionalism, commitment and care of our school nutrition teams.  We encourage staff, students and families to join in celebrating and thanking these essential members of our school communities.

School Nurses’ Appreciation Day (May 6, 2026)

Since 1972, National School Nurses' Day has been set aside to recognize the contributions school nurses make to the lives of school-aged children every day. With over 40% of school-aged children affected by chronic or mental health conditions, school nurses play a vital role in improving attendance, reducing health disparities, connecting families to community resources, coordinating care to break down barriers to healthcare access, and supporting student success. 

 

Superintendent Comments

• Dr. Danielle Jones opened her comments by speaking of the recently approved North Carolina State Budget and its impact on teachers and local funding:
  • "As we continue to monitor developments at the state level, we are optimistic that the final state budget will include the proposed average 8% salary increase for teachers. This increase is exciting for educators, however teacher raises this large will increase our current continuation funding shortfall from the county."
• Next, Dr. Jones commented on the 2026-2031 OCS Strategic Plan draft:
  • "I could not be more excited to talk about the work that has gone on for the last year—the process and the direction that it's going to set for our district. I strongly support this draft for two important reasons. First, it is truly community driven. The level on engagement from students, families, staff, and community members has been tremendous and their voices are reflected throughout the plan. Second, regardless of what any strategic plan says on paper, our district has demonstrated our commitment to continuous improvement. Over the past few years, we have improved academically, expanded social-emotional learning and mental health supports, reduced suspensions, and seen growth in nearly every area of our Teacher Working Conditions survey—all while maintaining high expectations and accountability for ourselves and for our students."

 

CONSENT AGENDA

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

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

Request for Quote (RFQ)- Elementary School (ES) Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Selection Recommendation

Orange County Schools is undertaking the planning, design, and construction of a new elementary school to support the district’s continued growth and long-term instructional needs. This project is a key component of the facilities improvements authorized by voters through the 2024 Orange County Schools Bond Referendum.

The purpose of this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to identify and pre-qualify a professional firm to provide construction manager at risk services for the construction oversight of this new elementary school facility for Orange County Schools. This selection process is being conducted in accordance with North Carolina public procurement laws and Orange County Schools Board of Education policies to ensure a transparent, competitive, and merit-based evaluation of professional services. 

The Board approved for staff to enter contract negotiations with a Construction Manager for the new elementary school project.

CMAR OCS Recommendation, Bond Update (Presentation) 

WORK SESSION (INFORMATION) ITEMS

2026 Spring Indoor Air Quality Report

OCS Maintenance Director Hank McKee presented the 2026 Spring Indoor Air Quality Report to the Board. Highlights include: 

• Twelve out of thirteen schools either maintained or increased their air quality from Fall 2025.
• Nine schools are in good standing, and two schools are in very good standing.

2026 Spring Indoor Air Quality (Presentation)

Equity Task Force Roundtable Discussion

The OCS Equity Task Force engaged in dialogue with the Board around the new OCS Strategic Plan and alignment with the district's core belief of ensuring that every student is equipped with what they need to graduate with options.

Equity Task Force Roundtable Discussion (Presentation)

2026-2031 Strategic Plan Draft

Dr. Julie Pack, Chief Academic Officer, and Mariah Morris, Director of Strategic Initiatives, presented the draft of the 2026-2031 OCS Strategic Plan Draft, "Engage Orange." They showed a video to help launch the plan, informed the Board that the draft would be posted online (including in Spanish), and announced a bilingual survey open through June 2 for continued public feedback.

Engage Orange: 2026-2031 Strategic Plan (Presentation)