Board Notes - Regular Meeting, February 10, 2025

View all the business items below here.

Watch the February 10, 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

National School Counseling Week 2025 (Feb 3-7, 2025)

According to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), National School Counseling Week 2025 (#NSCW25) is February 3-7, 2025, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by ASCA, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

"Our school counselors work tirelessly to create safe, supportive environments that foster growth, resilience, and success for each student in our care. From helping students navigate academic challenges to providing crucial emotional support and career guidance, their impact extends far beyond the walls of their offices."

National School Counseling Week is always celebrated the first full week in February. The 2025 national theme is "School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive!" 

OCS has celebrated counselors with social media posts (1 and 2) and a website headline seen below.
 

Orange High School Men's Cross-Country 3A Team State Champions

The Board recognized the achievement of the Orange High School boys' cross-country team during a historic 2024 season. OHS has known multiple top individual performers and also placed very high in previous championship meets. However, at the championship meet in Kernersville on November 2, 2024, OHS claimed their first-ever NCHSAA Men's Cross-Country 3A Team State Championship.

Follow OHS Cross-Country online
 

 

National SRO Appreciation Day - February 15, 2025

Recognized nationally on February 15, National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day is an opportunity to celebrate SRO’s and let them know how much we appreciate the work they do to bridge gaps between law enforcement and students and to keep schools safe.

We would like to celebrate the outstanding SRO’s with the Orange County Sheriff's Office who serve Orange County Schools and thank Sheriff Charles Blackwood for this continuing partnership.

See the 2024-2025 School Resource Officers pictured here.
 

 

CONSENT AGENDA

The Board approved Consent Agenda items including meeting minutes, personnel reports, contracts, financial and budget reports, and policies approved in committee for approval by the Board. To learn how the Board considers and adopts new and updated Board Policies, see Board Policy 2410.

 

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

Resolution on Support for Immigrant Students and Families

The Board recognizes local concerns raised by potential changes in how federal immigration laws and policies are enforced and the impact this may have on public schools and students and hereby intends to address these concerns. Click here to read or download the signed Resolution of the Board.

Read or download a Spanish translation of the Board Resolution
 

WORK SESSION (INFORMATION) ITEMS

Summer Programming Update

The 2025 Summer Programming initiative is designed to provide targeted academic support, career exploration, and enrichment opportunities for students at various grade levels. Offerings will focus on closing learning gaps, preparing students for the next academic year, and fostering personal growth through diverse educational experiences. Key programs include:

• Read to Achieve Camp (for current 2nd and 3rd graders)
• High School Credit Recovery
• High School and Middle School Transition Support
• Career & Technical Education (CTE) Programs and Internships
• Multilingual Bridge Camp
• Exceptional Children (EC) Programming
• YMCA Camp Crush

Our goal is to prevent summer learning loss, enhance student engagement, and ensure a smooth transition into the 2025-26 school year. 

Click here to view the presentation and agenda item
 

Bond Update

In the May 29, 2024 Budget and Capital Needs Committee meeting, Orange County Schools staff presented an updated plan for bond and capital projects, developed in response to feedback and recommendations from the Board of County Commissioners. Since the November election, the district has reviewed its capital projects list and created design scenarios to address facility needs. This presentation will focus on the district’s ongoing efforts to "right size" its property and facility portfolio, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to support excellence in education and optimize operational effectiveness.

The decision on the first project under the 2024 bond is critical to ensuring that the time, scope, and budget outlined in the bond referendum are met effectively. By leveraging the insights from the Woolpert Report alongside staff input, this presentation will provide the Board with a comprehensive overview of potential project scopes. This will enable the Board to make an informed decision that aligns with the bond’s goals, timelines, and financial parameters. The outcome of this decision will set the foundation for the successful execution of the remaining projects under the bond, ensuring that the district can efficiently address its facility needs within the designated framework.

Click here to view the presentation and agenda item