OCPS rolls out management‑directive training for administrators and plans teacher course

District staff told the school board Tuesday that Orange County Public Schools has developed training and communication plans for management directives and professional standards.

Mr. Bixler (district administrative staff) said the district already has a Canvas course for administrators with about a 99% completion rate and that a teacher version is in development. The district plans to distribute a one‑page summary of each management directive with links to full documents and to offer in‑service points for staff who complete the training.

Why it matters: Board members said employees sometimes claim they “didn’t know” when they run afoul of management directives. Board members recommended the district formalize annual training for all staff so expectations are clear.

Details: Mr. Bixler said more than 1,000 teachers have taken an optional version of the course for in‑service credit. Tim Smith is producing a one‑page memo summarizing current directives; the district recently made management directives more visible on the intranet. The board requested that the district consider an annual, mandatory refresher for all staff, similar to annual ethics training the board members undertake.

PUMP Act memo: Dr. Vasquez noted a recent memo regarding the PUMP Act and said the district will highlight key management directives tied to new legal obligations when memos are issued.

Next steps: District staff will circulate the summary document, finalize the teacher Canvas course and coordinate with unions on timing and possible credits. The district also said it will work with union leaders to agree on how to make training broadly available.