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Potential is universal; opportunity is not. YOU can help.

The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools is committed to providing our schools and teachers with the resources they need to help each student succeed.

Your gift to the Foundation will give students the opportunity to reach their full potential – and that’s a gift that benefits us all.

On behalf of the Foundation Team and students of Orange County Public Schools, thank you for your consideration!

About Us

Established in 1987, the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools (FOCPS) serves the 8th largest public school system in the nation and supports more than 206,000 students and 202 schools.

The Foundation’s Strategic Plan was successfully refined and expanded to carry the organization through 2025, and the areas in which investments and philanthropic support will be sought – our priorities – were formalized. The Philanthropic Strategic Plan, previous Foundation 18-month strategic plan, and traditional areas for Foundation support are incorporated into this expanded Plan. The task force presented the updated plan to the full Foundation board in March 2020, where it received unanimous approval.

Our philanthropic priorities are:
  • Ensure Learning Readiness: support early childhood education, mental and physical health and wellness, and behavioral improvements
  • Invest in Teachers & Staff: provide professional development, impact and innovation grants, and investments in teacher excellence and retention
  • Accelerate Student Success: focus on literacy, access to STEM, access to arts, and efforts that narrow achievement gaps
  • Promote Success After OCPS: support career and college readiness efforts, scholarships, mentoring and alumni programs
  • Drive Community Collaborations: build meaningful relationships and partnerships with OCPS and the community, including serving as a communication hub
Key Performance Indicators have been identified for tracking and reporting to the Foundation board. Fundraising goals have also been set; incremental annual targets will be determined in the first half of FY2020 to ensure achievement of those goals.

The Foundation’s 24 member board of directors is committed to public education and brings both breadth and depth in knowledge and skills from the business community and education sector. The board confers transparency, accountability and business acumen to the Foundation, which impacts the education programs and initiatives it seeks to support and gives donors confidence in their investments.

Copyright © 2016 Foundation for OCPS, 445 W. Amelia Street, Suite 901, Orlando, FL 32801

Contact Us

Scott Howat
Chief Communications Officer, OCPS
President, Foundation

407.317.3494
[email protected]

Debi Pedraza
Executive Director 
407.317.3261
[email protected]

Pam Carson
Assistant Director, District Foundation
& Community Outreach

407.317.3200 x 2002990
[email protected]


Michael Hsu
Senior Manager, Finance
407.317.3200 x 2002939
[email protected]

Margaux Pagan
Senior Administrator, Philanthropic Strategy
407.317.3200 x 2002979
[email protected]


Brooke Axtell

Senior Manager, District Foundation
Events & Engagement

407.317.3200 x 2002919
[email protected]

Vaidwattie Jagmohan
Administrator, ADDitions School Volunteers
407.317.3200 x 2002991
[email protected]

Kathleen Wright
Administrator, Partners in Education
407.317.3200 x 2002959
[email protected]

Kimberly McMaster
Program Coordinator
407.317.3200 x 2002792
[email protected]

Carmen M. Mendez
Administrative Specialist
407.317.3200 x 2002525
[email protected] 

Jenayia Ford
Administrative Secretary
407.317.3200 x 2002935
jenayia.ford@ocps.net

Melany Cleves
Consultant
407.317.3200 x 2002529
[email protected]

Joie Cadle
Consultant
407.317.3200 x 2002932
[email protected]

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Foundation for OCPS

445 W. Amelia St. Orlando, FL 32801 407.317.3261 Youtube