2022-23 Annual Report

Table of Contents

Our School Board

Dear Orange County Residents,

It has been a great honor to serve as the Chair of the School Board of Orange County since 2018. Last November, I was reelected and am grateful to the citizens of Orange County for the opportunity to continue to serve our students and school district along with two newly elected board members.

I invite you to read about the accomplishments of our students and staff in our 2022-23 Annual Report. This past school year was filled with many achievements that continue to make our school district set the standard among our peers nationwide.

I am particularly proud of our strides in improving access to mental health support. Over the course of the 2022-23 school year, OCPS significantly increased the availability of school social workers, psychologists and licensed mental health counselors per student districtwide. We also exceeded the state requirement that 80% of school personnel be trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid by July 1, 2023.

One of the biggest highlights was when OCPS and the University of Central Florida jointly received the 2022 Dr. Shirley S. Schwartz Urban Education Impact Award from the Council for the Great City Schools. The award was presented in recognition of the Comprehensive Teacher Pipeline projects that prepare, develop and retain STEM teachers to effectively serve Title I schools and all student populations.

I am also excited to share that in our efforts to become more environmentally friendly, OCPS has become the first school district in Florida to put electric buses on the road. The district received a generous grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to help make possible our goal of having clean and efficient transportation for our students. The pilot program has been highly successful, and we hope to find new ways to continue serving our students, community and environment.

As you read about this year’s achievements, I would like to thank you for your unwavering support for our students and schools. This community stood with us again in August 2022 by renewing the one mill property tax to fund essential operating expenses, including compensating teachers and support staff, preserving academic programs, arts, athletics, and student activities. None of this could be possible without the support of our outstanding community and your passion for our students and a better tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Dear Community Members,

My first year as superintendent of Orange County Public Schools is one I will never forget. Our staff and community rallied together to respond to both a hurricane and tropical storm, embracing an entire school family displaced by floodwaters.

As the eighth-largest school district in the nation, we served nearly 209,000 students and were responsible for the livelihoods of more than 24,000 employees. That is a massive responsibility, and the way we lead our students to success affects our entire community.

I’ve been an educator for 35 years, including 33 with OCPS. I’ve seen how our dedication to excellence changes lives. As I seek ways for us to continually improve, I’m reminded that a school district can’t be successful without the support of our employees and our community. And we are so blessed by the support we have here.

Our community support has allowed us to maintain our campuses and address growth. Districtwide, we have more than 2,700 business community partners, 150 faith-based partners and more than 65,000 school volunteers, one of whom was named the state’s 2022-2023 Outstanding School Senior Volunteer.

Additionally, the strength of our academic programs is recognized nationally. For example, Magnet Schools of America honored 11 of our district magnet programs for demonstrating a commitment to high academic standards, innovation, excellent faculty and parent and community involvement.

The district was also named as one of the 2023 Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. The award program highlights districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

I am proud of all we accomplished in Orange County Public Schools during the 2022-23 school year, and the best is yet to come.

Sincerely,

School District Snapshot

208,788 students from 209 countries who speak 168 languages and dialects.

8th-largest public school district in the United States.

4th-largest public school district in Florida.

2021-22 Graduation Rate

95.9% at traditional OCPS high schools

87% at all OCPS high schools

Our District

24,294 employees - OCPS is the 5th-largest employer in Central Florida.

More than 203,000 digital devices were provided to students.

Where Your Dollar Goes

Central5cents services,andfiscal administrationgeneral anddistricttechnology

andAcquiring,12centsoperating schoolmaintaining facilities

6 cents Librarymaterials,staff trainingandcurriculum development

79centsTeaching,transporting, supervisingandcounselingstudents

We served 35 million meals last year or 195,000 meals per day. $

High Expectations for Student Learning

Orange County Public Schools is deeply invested in student success. We ensure all students receive the education and skills needed for college or a career after graduation.

During the 2022-23 school year, OCPS provided students with educational opportunities and continued to see our students shine and achieve academic excellence, including:

Arts Enrollment

OCPS had the highest percentage of students enrolled in performing and visual arts among the five-largest school districts in the state of Florida.

Fine arts: 69%

(of all students are enrolled in the arts)

Music: 53%

(of all students are enrolled in Music)

Visual art: 53%

(of all students are enrolled in Art)

Dance: 6%

(of all students are enrolled in Dance)

Theatre: 6%

(of all students are enrolled in Theatre)

Career & Technical Education/ Orange Technical College

56,742 students

60 programs

5 technical college campuses, 22 high schools and 38 middle schools

6,835 industry certificates earned by secondary students

1,621 graduates

341 dual-enrollment graduates

Dual Enrollment

The Class of 2023 included 225 graduating seniors who received their diploma and earned their associate degree from Valencia College.

Magnet Programs

The district’s 46 magnet programs, which include 25 at high schools, 12 at middle schools and 10 at elementary schools, provide opportunities for students to engage in intensive study in specific topics at their school. Students also have a chance to discover their talents and explore their interests while focusing on academic rigor.

High school magnets provide unique, personalized learning that focuses on interests, talents or career goals while aiming to increase student achievement. Middle and elementary magnets provide schoolchildren with opportunities to engage and participate in challenging, educational experiences.

Magnet Schools of America honored 11 OCPS magnet programs with Merit Awards for demonstrating a commitment to high academic standards; curriculum innovation; diversity efforts; specialized teaching faculty; and parent and community involvement.

2023 School of Excellence

Dr. Phillips High: Center for International Studies

2023 Schools of Distinction

Arbor Ridge K-8:

6-8 Option

Bay Meadows Elementary: STEAM Career Academy

Dr. Phillips High: Visual and Performing Arts

Howard Middle School Academy of Arts

Hunter’s Creek Elementary:

Two-Way Dual Language

Orlando Gifted Academy

Roberto Clemente Middle:

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme

Tildenville Elementary:

Two-Way Dual Language

University High:

International Baccalaureate and Performing Arts

National Merit Scholarship Program

During the 2022-23 school year, the National Merit Scholarship Program recognized 27 semifinalists from 11 high schools based on top PSAT scores. Five students from four highschools were selected as 2023 National Merit Scholars.

Dr. Phillips High: Visual and Performing Arts

Voluntary Prekindergarten

OCPS provides parents with an opportunity to enroll their children in our Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program, which is designed to prepare kids for kindergarten by focusing on early reading, writing, math and social skills.

During the 2022-23 school year, there were 2,344 students enrolled in VPK. The program offers high-quality, stimulating and developmentally appropriate education.

Super Scholars

This year’s Super Scholars included 132 graduating seniors from 21 of our traditional high schools who were accepted in the U.S. News & World Report’s top-20 ranked universities and colleges and our nation’s military-service academies.

School and District Grades

Due to the Florida Department of Education transition to B.E.S.T. Standards, school and district grades were not available as of press time.

Competition Cheer

Winter Park High

Athletics

Athletics programs provide students with a sense of belonging and an opportunity to excel.

2022-23 Champions

FHSAA State Champions

Boys Cross Country - Winter Park High

Boys Tennis - Boone High

Boys Wrestling - Olympia High

Competition Cheer - Windermere High

Competition Cheer - Winter Park High

Girls Basketball - Dr. Phillips High

Girls Softball - Winter Park High

Girls Volleyball - Boone High

Girls Water Polo - Lake Nona High

Competition Cheer

Windermere High

Bowling

Boys Bowling - Apopka

Diving

Boys Diving - Lake Buena Vista High

Girls Diving - Windermere High

Swimming

Boys 200 Freestyle and 500 Freestyle - Boone High

Girls 200 Freestyle Relay - Windermere High

Track

Boys 400 Meter - West Orange High

Girls Triple Jump - Ocoee High

Weightlifting

Boys (129 lb) - Timber Creek High

Boys (169 lb) - Windermere High

Wrestling

Girls (115 lb) - Freedom High

Girls (120 lb) - Lake Nona High

Support of Student Resiliency

Initiatives

• Provided five hours of state-required secondary Resilience, Civic and Character Education and Life Skills lessons. Secondary students were offered five sessions from October through March.

• Offered Second Step digital curriculum for weekly elementary resilience, civic and character education, life skills and wellness lessons.

• Provided state-mandated Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training for OCPS personnel.

Results

• OCPS exceeded the state requirement that 80% of school personnel be trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid by July 1, 2023.

• Over the course of the 2022-23 school year, OCPS significantly increased the availability of school social workers, psychologists and licensed mental health counselors per student districtwide.

Resources

• The “OCPS Supports” initiative has reduced service gaps for families and directs them to the appropriate services based upon their needs.

• Community Connect, available on the OCPS website, helps families find social services and community resources. Between July 1, 2022 and June 12, 2023, there were 52,383 platform users. Top searches include counseling, food and housing.

This objective aims to help students develop character, including self-awareness, self-management, resiliency, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and conflict resolution.

Wellness and Resilience

OCPS supports activities to engage the student body in learning life skills that promote drug-free and bully-free communities, where students treat each other with respect and empathy, and are encouraged to express kindness and gratitude.

Red Ribbon Week – Drug-free living

Bullying Prevention Awareness Month – Bullying prevention for a safe learning community

Unity Day – Supporting community members

Start with Hello Week – Welcoming new community members

Random Acts of Kindness Week – Being thankful and sharing with others

Dedicated and High-Quality Team

OCPS is proud of our staff for all their accomplishments and leading our students to success.

OCPS’ HR department increased in-person and virtual recruitment efforts from 690 to 718 hours.

District Awards

National Recognitions

OCPS and the University of Central Florida jointly received the 2022 Dr. Shirley S. Schwartz Urban Education Impact Award from the Council of the Great City Schools for the Comprehensive Teacher Pipeline projects, which prepare, develop and retain STEM teachers to effectively serve Title I schools and all student populations.

The district was awarded the 2023 Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. The award program highlights districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

The 2022 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Procurement Institute for organizational excellence in public and nonprofit procurement. The recognition’s criteria measures innovation; professionalism; e-procurement; productivity; and leadership attributes of the procurement function.

The Public Relations department received from the National School Public Relations Association:

Awards of Excellence for the 2021-22 Annual Report and 2022-23 Pocket Guide. An Award of Merit for the 2023 Stellar Awards program. Honorable mentions for OCPS’ mobile app and website.

OCPS’ Office of Emergency Management was selected as a StormReady Supporter by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service for its emergency management plan demonstrating outstanding preparedness for dangerous flooding and weather conditions.

Arbor Ridge K-8, Oak Ridge High and Stone Lakes Elementary were designated as 2023 Green Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. Arbor Ridge was recognized for improving awareness of green topics through its digital newsletter. Oak Ridge received the accolade for implementing its Share Tables program for uneaten food and Stone Lakes was recognized for an agriculture program that includes growing and caring for crops and livestock. The district received the Efficient and Healthy Schools 2023 Notable Achievement in Energy Efficiency Plus Health Award for reducing energy consumption with its ongoing LED retrofit projects and 2023 Strategic Planning Award for the district’s composting pilot program from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Regional Recognitions

Procurement Services received the 2023 Florida Association of Public Procurement Officials Award of Excellence in Public Procurement. The award recognizes organizational excellence in procurement for agencies that meet or exceed benchmarks and best practices in the procurement profession.

The Professional Learning department received the 2022 Outstanding Professional Learning Practices Award from the Florida chapter of Learning Forward. The team received the accolade for developing and implementing a comprehensive, system-wide induction and mentoring program to better support our district’s new teachers.

The University of Central Florida’s College of Community Innovation and Education named Orange County Public Schools the 2023 CCIE Partner of Distinction in recognition of the Comprehensive Teacher Pipeline programs. The award recognizes an entity that has established a successful partnership with the college and embodies the spirit of collaboration, innovation and building stronger communities.

Individual Awards

Superintendent Maria F. Vazquez received the 2023 Valerie Radcliffe Memorial Children’s Friend Award from the Orange County Council PTA for her commitment to the welfare of children and the purposes of the PTA.

Michael Antmann, a music teacher at Freedom High, was honored with the Oliver Hobbs Award by the Florida Bandmasters Association.

Ocoee High Social Studies Teacher Catherine Cannon was recognized by the Yale Office of Undergraduate Admissions as the recipient of the 2022 Yale Educator Award. The program recognizes outstanding educators from around the world who support and inspire their students to perform at high levels and to achieve excellence.

The PineApple Report presented OCPS Academic Center for Excellence Principal Seth Daub with the 2023 Excellence in Education Academic Achievement Award.

ADDitions School Volunteer Donald Dudley received the Outstanding Senior School Volunteer Award by the Florida Department of Education, for his dedication and commitment to quality education in Florida’s K-12 public schools. The recognition serves to highlight and inspire strong school and community relationships, including innovative approaches to improving the academic performance and resiliency of students.

High School High Tech Transition Services District Resource Teacher recognized by The ABLE Trust for helping the school district receive high ratings by developing an innovative curriculum, leading teachers to provide rigorous instruction in and outside of the classroom and establishing strong community partnerships that led to OCPS receiving The ABLE Trust High School High Tech Site of the Year Award.

Deputy General Counsel John Palmerini (at left) received the of Excellence from the Florida School Board Attorneys Association.

The PineApple Report presented School Choice Services Senior Director the 2023 Excellence in Education Innovation Award.

Piedmont Lakes Middle School Science Teacher and Basketball Coach Bernadine West (center left) was awarded with the Orlando Magic Jr. NBA Scholastic Coach of the Year Award.

Digital Learning and Library Media Program Specialist Kelly Williams was awarded the 2022 Florida Power-Library School Award for developing a library program at Windermere High that was fully integrated into the school’s curriculum.

Adair Ziebarth, a second-grade teacher at Kelly Park School, was the only Florida educator honored as a 2023 Apple Distinguished Educator for using innovative ways to incorporate technology in the classroom.

Celebrating Our Successes

2022-23 Stellar Award Winners

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

John Miller

Meadowbrook Middle

PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

Robert Strenth

Prairie Lake Elementary

SUPPORT PERSON OF THE YEAR

Alex Rodriguez

Vista Pointe Elementary

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Francisco Cardoza

Village Park Elementary

Efficient Operations

Savings

Secured more than $111,352,859 in savings through rigorous contract negotiations and competitive sourcing strategies.

Received $2,710,522 cash rebates from competitive procurement contracts.

Recycled 395,072 pounds of electronic waste and 1,016,200 pounds of textbooks, diverting the items from the landfill.

Returned $5,928,917.24 through the Owner Direct Purchase program, which allows OCPS to purchase materials for capital projects by taking advantage of its sales-tax exemption. An additional $233,498.21 was saved on capital renewal projects.

Sustainability

Food Recovery

During the 2022-23 school year, more than 78,000 pounds of food were recovered or composted at OCPS – three times greater than the previous year.

In total, 49 schools participated in the food recovery program, with more than 45,000 pounds of food recovered via the Food and Nutrition Services Share Table initiative; more than 24,000 pounds recovered from OCPS kitchens; and just over 8,000 pounds composted from school food scraps.

Solar Energy

In the 2022-2023 school year 27 schools were receiving 100% of their electric needs from a renewable energy source, with 112 schools total planned by January 2024.

Green Schools Recognition Program

Since the start of the Green Schools Recognition Program in the 2014 school year, 72 schools across the district have participated. These schools conduct sustainable activities and programs throughout the year to compete against other schools for awards and recognitions.

More than $175,000 in awards has been distributed to support and recognize OCPS Green Schools and their sustainability programs.

Transportation

More than 56,000 students per day were transported on 542 buses. These buses traveled an astounding 13 million miles throughout the year.

OCPS was the first school district in Florida to introduce electric buses to transport students, made possible by a $2 million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. OCPS procured six electric school buses, three from Thomas Built Buses and three from IC Bus. This step aligns with our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a greener future for the children in our district.

Positive Climate and Safe Environment Facilities

OCPS opened 64 new schools between 2003 and 2022. Another 132 schools have been renovated or replaced. An additional 38 schools or technical college campuses are scheduled to be built new, renovated or replaced in the next 10 years.

The capital renewal program started construction on 47 projects with a value of $382 million.

The program completed 273 projects at a cost of $327 million.

For FY 2023, there are currently 47 active projects in progress for improvements at 106 sites, with an estimated cost of $382 million.

The program completed 273 projects budgeted at approximately $327 million.

New Schools Opened in 2022

• Hamlin Elementary School

• Hamlin Middle School

• Kelly Park School

• Panther Lake Elementary School

• Stonewyck Elementary School

Safety

In August 2022, Superintendent Vazquez hosted a back-to-school safety news conference at University High. During the event, OCPS Police Chief Bryan Holmes, Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith discussed and emphasized their agencies’ preparedness and commitment to school safety and security.

In April 2023, with the support of the Parent Academy and Student Services, the District Police partnered with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Gang Enforcement Unit to provide the community with information on the impact and influence local gangs have on Orange County’s youth.

The gang-prevention presentation provided parents with information on why they should be concerned if their child is being recruited by or involved in a gang, the behaviors to look for, and what can be done to prevent gang involvement or intervene. Information on school safety and security protocols and an overview of resources that OCPS provides to support families was also provided.

Engaged and Invested Community

Community Input

OCPS provided 770 opportunities for stakeholders to provide feedback across all divisions of our organization, including 44 Superintendent Town Hall meetings. This exceeded our target of 276 opportunities by 179%.

Foundation for OCPS

The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools invests in our children today to strengthen our community tomorrow. The organization’s mission is to identify, develop and focus community involvement and investment to lead our students to success.

The Foundation raised or managed approximately $4.26 million for the benefit of OCPS students, teachers, staff, schools and programs, a 28% increase over the previous year. The value of its invested funds as of June 30 was $5.32 million.

2022-2023

65,817 ADDitions volunteers, a 52% increase 344,238 Volunteer hours logged (valued at $10.1 million)

Leadership Orange

In 2022-23, 26 community members and the OCPS 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year completed Class XII of Leadership Orange, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a large urban school district.

Parent Academy

The OCPS Parent Academy empowers, engages and educates families and caregivers by providing high-quality training sessions, resources and services.

The institute offers district-wide, face-to-face Parent Academies and Learn Where You Live functions and virtual Lunch & Learn events on Facebook Live.

During the 2022-23 school year, the district held in-person and virtual sessions for 3,754 parents/caregivers. The seven Learn Where You Live events had 103 engaged participants and the five Lunch and Learn sessions had 2,825 parents/caregivers.

2,763 Partners in Education (support is equivalent to $5.4 million)

Sc hool Charity Recycling Program

The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools has partnered with Charity Recycling Service since 2018. The recycling program keeps unwanted items out of landfills.

The company collects and purchases gently-used clothing and household items for nonprofit organizations from 169 OCPS schools and sites. The items are placed in white bins on OCPS campuses and weighed to determine how much is raised for each participating school. During the 2022-23 school year, OCPS sites collected 842,629 pounds of clothing and household items and raised $85,753.

445 West Amelia St., Orlando, FL 32801

www.ocps.net

@OrangeCountyPublicSchools @ocps_official @ocpsnews

OrangeCountyPublicSchools

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 West Amelia Street, Orlando, Florida 32801, attend to compliance matters: Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer & Title IX Coordinator: Keshara Cowans; ADA Coordinator: Jay Cardinali; Section 504 Coordinator: Tajuana Lee-Wenze. (407.317.3200)