Board Notes - Regular Meeting for January 27, 2025
View all the business items below here.
Watch the January 27, 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.
STATEMENT FROM CHAIR ANNE PURCELL
“Before we begin this evening, I would like to invoke a Point of Privilege and speak for just a few moments about something that I know is an urgent concern for many in our community.
“This Board recognizes the concerns and issues raised by changes in law and policies concerning immigration and the impacts and fear this does have on our students and families within the OCS district. Each child in North Carolina has the right to a free and public education in a safe environment according to our NC State Constitution. It is our goal to continue doing just that. At this time a number of outside agencies are helping families as they prepare, and they are sharing information with us as we prepare, for the unknown. Dr. Jones and the Board have met with our legal counsel to be apprised on all developments and what we are able to do so our district is prepared to help and support our students, parents and families. ALL OCS school and district leaders have been given protocols should anyone come to a school seeking information about a family, their children, or requesting to speak to students. Other staff are being trained as well, such as our family liaisons who work closely with many of our impacted families.
“The safety and well-being of our students are top priority for this board and the district. Ongoing and continuing discussions around concerns and any changes will be done to make certain of student, family, and staff well-being during these uncertain times.
Thank you.”
Link to statement in English and Spanish
RECOGNITIONS
Black History Month (February)
Black History Month was created to focus much needed attention on the contributions of Black Americans in the United States. Since 1976, every United States President has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. It honors all Black people from all periods of our history, from slavery to today. It is important to acknowledge that Black history is American history and representation, of all of our students, matters. Schools are holding events throughout February, and OCS Family Academy will host a Black History Student Expo on February 27 at Orange High School Auditorium.
Love the Bus Month (February)
"February marks the month-long celebration of Love the Bus, a time to show gratitude towards the dedicated professionals who ensure the safety of students on their journey to and from school. This initiative is a meaningful way to recognize the diverse group of individuals who make the yellow school bus experience possible for students." https://www.napt.org/lovethebus
This month-long recognition of the value and safety of our yellow school buses embraces all those who make it possible for Orange County Schools to deliver children safely between their homes, schools, and every destination for field trips and more: drivers, technicians, support staff, and leadership.Thank you to everyone who makes a positive impact on the lives of children and families in our community through school transportation!
CONSENT AGENDA
The Board approved Consent Agenda items including meeting minutes, personnel report, contracts, financial and budget reports, grant request, and policies approved in committee for approval by the Board. Two policies were removed for discussion by the full Board. To learn how the Board considers and adopts new and updated Board Policies, see Board Policy 2410.
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
Update to Strategic Plan Priority 2
The Priority 2 update presentation aims to provide the Board of Education with an overview of the ongoing efforts to achieve excellence and efficiency in school operations. This update will include a review of existing goals, along with revisions that align these goals with Priority 2, which historically emphasized school safety. While school safety remains a priority, the update introduces additional operational goals focused on broader aspects of efficiency and excellence across all departments. The presentation also highlighted an addendum to the original goals, to ensure that they reflect the input and needs of all stakeholders.
In alignment with the OCS Strategic Plan and Board Policy 1030: Equity in Education, the update emphasized comprehensive consideration of all school operations to support the growth and achievement of students and staff and to enhance the overall effectiveness and inclusivity of school operations.
Career and Technical Education Month Proclamation (February)
February is designated as Career and Technical Education Month by the Association of Career and Technical Education. The request is for the Board to proclaim February 1-29, 2025, as Career and Technical Education Month and urge all students and families to become familiar with the services and benefits offered by the career and technical education programs in Orange County Schools and to support and participate in these programs to enhance their individual skills and productivity.