Orange High School mock trial teams win state qualification and celebrate Black History Month

The Orange City School District Board of Education convened on January 27, 2025, to discuss various topics, including student achievements, upcoming events, and policy updates. The meeting began with a report from Dr. Campbell, highlighting the excitement surrounding the winter sports pep rally scheduled for Friday and the winter choir concert set for the following Wednesday. Dr. Campbell also celebrated the success of the Orange High School mock trial teams, which qualified for the state competition, earning multiple awards for their performance.

In addition to these events, Dr. Campbell announced that Orange High School received the College Board's AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award, recognizing efforts to increase young women's participation in AP Computer Science courses. The board also discussed plans for Black History Month, including a film festival and a celebration event featuring guest speaker Dr. Jeffreys.

The meeting progressed to a first reading of several board policies. Discussions highlighted concerns regarding a typo in the reimbursement policy, where "nominal value" was incorrectly stated as $25,000 instead of the intended $25. Board members also raised questions about the AI policy, which currently lacks specificity. It was noted that while the policy is required, further development is needed to guide staff and students on the appropriate use of AI tools.

The board addressed the surplus property policy, which had a proposed threshold increase from $5,000 to $10,000, and confirmed that this change aligns with federal regulations. Other policies discussed included updates on student conduct and athletic eligibility requirements, with suggestions to reference the Ohio High School Athletic Association's website for clarity.

The meeting concluded with a treasurer's report, where Mr. Puster informed the board about delays in property tax bill mailings and the impact on cash flow. He noted that the district received significantly less in tax advances compared to the previous year, necessitating careful financial management.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to student achievement and community engagement while addressing necessary policy updates and financial considerations. The board plans to continue refining policies and preparing for upcoming events in the district.