Orange County Schools celebrate academic achievements and budget planning for 2024-2025

In a recent meeting of the Orange County School Board, significant achievements in student performance and innovative educational programs took center stage. For the 2023-2024 school year, ten out of fourteen schools in the district scored six or higher on the tenth-grade assessments, with thirteen schools exceeding expected growth, far surpassing the state average.

Highlighting individual successes, Jason Johnson, principal of New Hope Elementary, was named Principal of the Year for effectively closing achievement gaps among students, ranking tenth in the state for this accomplishment. Additionally, two teachers, Sarah Brown Schlummaka and Amanda Aguayo, received prestigious awards for excellence in arts education, while a student from Ethan Chicken showcased artwork at a statewide youth exhibition.

The district is also prioritizing exceptional programs despite federal and state budget cuts. Initiatives include a summer career academy in partnership with Chapel Hill and the Home Builders Association, offering hands-on training for students. Multilingual bridge programs are set to enhance language skills for students learning in diverse systems, while transition programs support middle school students as they prepare for high school.

Financially, the district maintains a balanced budget, allocating $700,000 to initiatives that directly impact student achievement. The funding model is based on student enrollment, with projections indicating a need to accommodate 6,908 students for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The board is committed to retaining high-quality staff and addressing the evolving needs of its diverse student population, which has seen a notable increase in Black and minority students over recent years.

As the meeting concluded, the board emphasized the importance of these educational advancements and the ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.