Orange County Public Schools

The School Board of Orange County held its regularly scheduled board meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center. These are the highlights of the meeting:

Superintendent waived Monday, Nov. 25 as a make-up day

Dr. Jenkins will waive Monday, Nov. 25, so the Thanksgiving week break remains intact for our families and employees. She was only able to waive one of the two instructional days missed during Hurricane Dorian because there were not enough instructional minutes in the OCPS school year to waive more than one day. However, please keep in mind hurricane season does not end until Nov. 30 and if another make-up day is needed, Nov. 25 is still the second prioritized day that will be used.

The district’s proposal to switch the first prioritized make-up day from Friday, Oct. 18, to Thursday, Oct. 17, for Hurricane Dorian is still awaiting approval by the Classroom Teachers Association. Without their approval, the make-up day will remain as scheduled on Friday, Oct. 18. To be clear, that means students will return on Friday after having Thursday off for the teacher workday. The school calendar and list of prioritized bad weather days are posted on  our website. 

School Board approves an amended 2020 State Legislative Platform

The proposed 2020 State and Federal Legislative platforms are the result of the consensus reached by the School Board in committee. The recommended state and federal priorities are based on a review of the 2020 Legislative Session and input from school board members, district staff, teachers as well as various local and statewide organizations. To read the amended platform click here.

School Board proclaims October as LGBTQ+ History and Awareness Month

October will be a month-long annual observance of the history and related civil rights movement of gay rights. All students have the right to attend school in a safe and inclusive environment free from harassment or discrimination, so they can reach their full potential. Education regarding LGBTQ+ builds community, increases understanding, and cultivates acceptance of and respect for LGBTQ+ children and youth. To read the proclamation click here.

District will recognize Disability History and Awareness Weeks

School Board designates Oct. 1 – Oct. 12 as Disability History and Awareness Weeks. During the weeks designated, school staff will promote effective instruction, knowledge, understanding and awareness of individuals with disability. The goal of disability history and awareness instruction is to teach better treatment of all individuals with disabilities.

District will recognize October as National Bullying Prevention Month

In honor of this month, schools are encouraged to participate in activities that promote a sustained healthy and safe learning environment. OCPS is together against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.

October designated as National Principals Month

The School Board of Orange County honors and recognizes principals for their positive impact on learning by setting high standards for instruction, achievement and character development. Principals establish inclusive, supporting learning environments where all children learn, and gaps are narrowed. Leadership is second only to classroom instruction among all school-related factors that contribute to student learning. National Principals’ Month highlights the important work of principals and encourages our nation to honor these leaders.

District will observe October 2019 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women. Orange County Public Schools will join in the nationally recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The district supports early detection and treatment to improve the outcomes of women with breast cancer.

*Reminder* All board meetings are live streamed on the School Board’s YouTube page and will be accessible from web browsers on computers or mobile devices. To find the live stream, visit www.boardmeetings.ocps.net. 

OCPS EEO Non-Discrimination Statement

The School Board of Orange County, Florida, does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities, on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other reason prohibited by law. The following individuals at the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center, 445 W. Amelia Street, Orlando, Florida 32801, attend to compliance matters: Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer & Title IX Officer: Keshara Cowans; ADA Coordinator: Michael D. Graf; Section 504 Coordinator: Tajuana LeeWenze. (407.317.3200)