Board meeting highlights (May 28, 2024)
Posted on 05/28/2024
The School Board of Orange County held its regularly scheduled board meeting at 5 p.m. at the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center. These are the highlights of the meeting:
Proclamations adopted
Pride and Pulse Remembrance Month - June 2024
Changes regarding administrative personnel
Superintendent Maria Vazquez introduced the following new administrators:
Adriene Anderson, principal, Catalina Elementary
Machael Bernice Dawkins, principal, Eagle Creek Elementary
Helena Strizhiver Gurgone, principal, Kelly Park School
Alex Jackson, principal, Edgewater High
Eboni Shantel Montenegro, principal, Aloma Elementary
Rachel Elizabeth Mott, principal, Sadler Elementary
Nicole Elaine Sims, principal, Riverdale Elementary
Jessica Smith, principal, Clay Springs Elementary
Kelly Steinke, principal leader, Middle/K8 Schools
Clarence Truitt, principal, Lockhart Middle
Forrester Watts, principal, Hiawassee Elementary
School Board recognitions - View the School Board meeting pictures
High School Coach Hero
Greg Meyer, an assistant coach for the University High Boys Basketball team, is a hero both on and off the court. Greg is a loan originator at one of Arbor Ridge K-8’s Partners in Education, The Mortgage Firm. During Teacher Appreciation Week, his company provided teachers and staff with lunch. School clerk Kristin Lopez was eating in the teacher’s lounge when she began choking. Kristin realized she wasn’t able to swallow and started pointing at her throat. Greg quickly jumped into action. He successfully dislodged the piece of food by administering the Heimlich maneuver. He was ready to save Kristin’s life thanks to an OCPS class for district coaches that covered first aid, CPR and AED skills. His class was taught by University High’s Lead Athletic Trainer Christina Farley.
Member Felder’s Florida School Boards Association certification
District 5 Board Member Vicki-Elaine Felder became a certified board member (CBM) with the Florida School Boards Association. To earn a CBM distinction, a member must complete nearly 100 hours of training in six areas, which include advocacy, bargaining, knowledge, leadership, policy governance and school finance. The certification provides board members with the knowledge, skills and policy insights necessary to make informed decisions and contribute effectively to your districts.
Math Bee winner
Eccleston Elementary fourth-grader Christina Lewis won first place and $1,000 during the Fourth Grade Math Bee Invitational at St. Lukes United Methodist Church in Orlando a few weeks ago.
Inspiring educator
Rolling Hills Elementary Art teacher Autumn Goodman was recognized by actress Jennifer Hudson as an inspiring educator on “The Jennifer Hudson Show”. Autumn provides her students with positive affirmations and lets them know they’re loved every day. During the segment, Hudson presented Autumn with a Cricut Joy Xtra for making custom stickers and T-shirt designs. Cricut also presented her with a $10,000 check. Autumn hopes to start an after-school art studio called the Creative Space for students to create art and be themselves in the future.
Orange Technical College dual-enrollment senior scholars
Fifty-five Orange Technical College dual-enrollment seniors earned a credit in five or more advanced courses, including AP, IB, Cambridge AICE or academic dual enrollment. The scholars also earned a weighted GPA of 4.0 or higher.
25 students in attendance: Devian Anderson, Kamyla Guerra Bastidas, Shawntelle Bennett, Cayla Bivens, Maranachel Brutus, Melisabel Castellano, Zyana Cesar, Justin Clarke, Landon Davenport, Taliana DeJesus, Tikera Dorsett, Roy Flores Mendez, Kaitlyn Godek, Marcus Grant, Jr., Kayla Inoa, Jaida Jones, Hoang Nguyen, Genesis Marrero, Max Owen, Alanna Parker, Noah Rich, Leilani Rivera, Noorma Shabbir, Sydney Storr, Sofia Villegas
Spring 2024 Sports Champions
Olympia High Girls Track team individual state champion
Olympia High Girls Track Team Senior Omaria Gordon won the FHSAA Class 4A long jump state championship.
Winter Park Boys Volleyball team state champions
Winter Park Boys Volleyball team won the FHSAA Class 1A state championship.
Team includes: Nick Baker, Nico Scivally, Gabriel Arroyo, Jamie Sardy, Aidan Fontaine, Aidan Dooley, John Williams, Tristan Guitton, Jacob Little-phillips, Kenan Ulgen, Alex Jenovese, Tyler Harrington, Managers: Adien Wild-Croke, Amelia Mancino