School Board meeting highlights (Nov. 10)
The School Board of Orange County held a regularly scheduled board meeting at the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center Tuesday, Nov. 10. These are the highlights of the meeting:
School Board proclaims Nov. 10, 2020, as “Dr. Kathleen 'Kat' Gordon Day”
Unforgettable moments celebrating Dr. Kathleen “Kat” Gordon during her last board meeting. Dr. Gordon is retiring after 20 years of service to the School Board of Orange County. Not only did she serve on the board for 20 years but an additional 25 years with Orange County Public Schools as a librarian and counselor. She has been a matriarch of public education, civil rights, and an absolute champion for children. Tonight, she received recognition acknowledgments with video tributes from Mayor Jerry Demings, District 5 Jones High School and special gifts and memorabilia from Oak Ridge High School. Do not miss the incredible
reading of the proclamation and beautiful tributes.
Dr. Gordon did not want personal gifts for her retirement. True to character, she wanted to leave a lasting gift for District 5 to continue the work. The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools recently established the District 5 Student Activities Fund in Dr. Gordon’s honor. It will help ensure that District 5 students can fully participate in sports, arts and other activities without significant financial concerns. The fund for District 5 has raised $5,102 to date. It is made up entirely of contributions from OCPS employees and friends who share Dr. Gordon’s belief in the success of EVERY student.
Silver Pines Academy K-12 was the selected name in a unanimous vote for the new combined Gateway & Cherokee School Opening in 2021-22
The superintendent submitted three names that were a direct result of community involvement. From Oct. 5-9th, name recommendations were submitted online through a Google survey from students, staff and families who attend Gateway and Cherokee. A second survey was distributed Oct. 15-21st.
November proclamations for Orange County Public Schools
Nov. 18, 2020, as National Education Support Professionals Day
Nov. 8-14, 2020 as National Apprenticeship Week
Changes regarding administrative personnel
Superintendent Barbara Jenkins announced the following new administrator:
Sarah Lukas, assistant principal, Dillard Street Elementary
*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.