Board Notes - Regular Meeting for October 20, 2025

View all the business items from October 20, 2025 here

Watch the October 20, 2025 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

2025-2026 Principal Appreciation Month & Principal of the Year: Kristin Mattison-Williamson

Established in 1984, the Wells Fargo Principal of the Year Award recognizes the vital role principals play in fostering positive learning environments and promoting academic excellence across North Carolina. In partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the program celebrates exceptional leadership at the local, regional, and state levels.

Each fall, Orange County Schools selects one outstanding principal to be named Principal of the Year. Nominations are accepted from principals, assistant principals, and central office staff, and a selection team reviews each nominee’s qualifications. The selected principal will serve as the 2025–2026 Orange County Schools Principal of the Year and represent the district in the statewide Wells Fargo Principal of the Year competition.

Click here to read the full release
 

2025-2026 Beginning Teacher of The Year: Rebeckah Goras

State Beginning Teacher of the Year Program
The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) established the Beginning Teacher of the Year Award in 2019 to honor and support new educators in public and charter schools. The program highlights excellence among beginning teachers, strengthens connections within school communities, and promotes teacher retention across the state.

Orange County Schools Selection Process
Within Orange County Schools, nominations are open to Administrators, central office staff, and Lead Mentors. A selection committee reviews each nominee’s portfolio, conducts interviews, and observes classroom instruction to identify educators who demonstrate strong instructional practices and leadership potential.

Click here to read the full release
 

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Observed on October 13, 2025, Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the rich histories, cultures, and lasting contributions of Native peoples. Celebrated nationwide on the second Monday in October, the day recognizes the resilience and heritage of Indigenous nations and encourages a deeper understanding of their continued influence on our shared history.

In educational settings, Indigenous Peoples’ Day provides meaningful opportunities for students to learn about the traditions, leadership, and innovations of Native communities. Through classroom discussions, cultural activities, and community partnerships, schools help foster respect, inclusivity, and cultural awareness that extend beyond a single day of recognition.

 

SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS

Dr. Danielle Jones shared comments on the state of the district and encouraged all to attend upcoming Community Listening Sessions to help develop the OCS 2026-2031 Strategic Plan:

“Bring your hopes and dreams for what our schools can become, and your honest feedback on what needs to improve.

"Consider the broad lens—student learning and wellbeing, staff excellence, school culture, and operational efficiency, just to name a few. And think long-term: ‘Where should our district be in 2031?’

“Share your voice, and encourage others to do so as well. When diverse voices are included, the plan is better for everyone. I am deeply grateful for the commitment of our community to supporting our students and our schools, and I look forward to charting our next chapter together.”
 

CONSENT AGENDA

The Board approved Consent Agenda items, including meeting minutes, personnel report, financial updates, contracts, and an update to the Board Calendar.
 

WORK SESSION (INFORMATION) ITEMS

Finance Audit Report (Anderson Smith Wike)

Annual Financial Audit

In accordance with N.C. General Statute 115C-447, the Orange County Board of Education has its accounts and the accounts of individual schools audited annually following the close of each fiscal year. The Board’s independent certified public accountants, Anderson, Smith, Wike PLLC, completed the audit of financial statements for all governmental and business-type activities, major funds, and remaining fund information for the year ending June 30, 2025.

Orange County Schools and OCS Finance Office received a “clean, unmodified opinion” regarding and financial transactions and reporting for the most recent fiscal year, with complete documents available in this agenda item.

Some highlights from the auditor’s Management Discussion and Analysis include:

• The General Fund reported an increase in fund balance of $2.4 million, compared to a decrease of $370,000 in the prior year.
• Of that $2.4 million increase, funds from closing the Child Care Fund in FY25 added approximately $1.2 million to the local operating fund balance.
• Auditors described the district’s $5.5 million in fund balance at the close of FY25 as ”adequate for a district this size” and recommended maintaining that level as sound fiscal practice, using fund balance only when needed for non-recurring expenses.

Click here to read the full presentation

School Opening Data (Enrollment, Membership, Demographic Update)

The opening school membership data presented is based on preliminary figures from the initial Principal’s Monthly Report (PMR) for Month 1. The report includes a review of projected versus actual enrollment, student movement trends, Kindergarten enrollment (with details for Hillsborough Elementary and local charter schools), and demographic information.

Click here to read the full presentation

School Opening Data: Staffing/Demographics Updates and Recruitment and Retention Information

Staffing data and trends play a vital role in guiding decisions related to recruiting, hiring, and retaining teachers and staff. By examining turnover rates and employee demographics, school districts can strengthen workforce management strategies that support improved teaching quality, student outcomes, and organizational effectiveness.

Data Points Reviewed:

• Employee Demographics
• National Board Data
• Teacher Turnover Data (Official, Unofficial, and by Reason Code)
• Educator Licensure Data
• Vacancy Data

Click here to read the full presentation

Strategic Plan 2026-2031 Update

The strategic planning process aims to establish a shared vision and clear priorities to guide Orange County Schools in the coming years. This work ensures that district goals, resources, and initiatives align to promote student success and organizational excellence. Grounded in broad stakeholder engagement, the process includes input from students, families, staff, and community partners to reflect the values and aspirations of the entire community. This collaborative approach ensures the final strategic plan represents the collective voice and priorities of those we serve.

Click here to read the full presentation

ITEM REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA

The proposed contract below was removed from the consent agenda and discussed as an action item on the working agenda.

NCSU ITRE Operations Research and Education Laboratory (OREd) School Planning and Student Assignment Contract

In conjunction with planning for the highest and best use of recently approved bond funds, Construction and Capital Planning has worked closely with KEI Architects and Steve Hess, PMCnc to determine long planning goals for bond funds. The NCSU ITRE Operations Research and Education Laboratory (OREd) group has provided a proposal for services and a fee structure for these services. The Board unanimously approved the proposed contract.