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Community Update Script: May. 24, 2022
Posted on 05/24/2022
Superintendent Jenkins here with the final community update for this school year. First, I want to convey my appreciation to teachers, support staff, administrators, parents and community supporters who have helped us complete a very challenging but successful school year. It’s no exaggeration to say that everyone is pretty exhausted, but especially our front line workers who serve our students every day. I think parents and students are exhausted as well. I commend each of you for making it to the finish line and I know everyone is looking forward to the summer break!

Allow me to share some important information as we conclude the school year:

Summer School
For those students identified, please know that summer school is critical to their future success and must be taken seriously. The dates are June 1st through 30th. We certainly appreciate staff members who have agreed to work the session in support of students.

Compensation
We are still awaiting information from the state regarding something referred to as the 4th calculation which will impact recurring dollars for next year’s budget. I want employees to know that we are expecting revenue that will support better raises for the year, so stay tuned for more information from the district and bargaining units. State legislation now requires a minimum pay of $15 an hour by October for support personnel represented by OESPA. We certainly hope to negotiate adjustments earlier than the October requirement, so again, stay tuned.

August Ballot
I want you to be aware of an important issue that will be on the primary election ballot Aug. 23. Back in 2010, Orange County voters approved a one mill ad valorem millage to preserve academic programs, retain highly-qualified teachers, and protect arts, athletics and student activities in Orange County schools. Voters continued the millage in 2014 and 2018, and will decide Aug. 23, whether to continue the one mill for another four years through June 2027. The board modified the ballot language to include “compensating teachers and support staff.” This is an effort to address the need for additional compensation for experienced employees whose salaries have lagged due to compression and the focus on beginning teacher starting salary and the $15 per hour minimum wage.

The deadline to register to vote is July 25. The issue will be the last item on the ballot Aug. 23.

Retirement
Let me say a few words regarding my retirement. I entered the state of Florida’s Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) nearly 5 years ago—2018 was before we knew anything about a pandemic, so I want to be clear that the events of the last couple of years did not impact my plans. It’s been an honor and a blessing to serve as superintendent of OCPS. When school reopens in August, a new superintendent will have been selected, and we will be in transition to support new leadership. I am confident that the incredible school board and leadership team will continue to achieve the vision of OCPS: To ensure every student has a promising and successful future

Scholarship Fund
I won’t be having any special event to celebrate my retirement, at my request. What I’m hoping those who would have attended such an event will do instead is contribute to the Superintendent’s Scholarship Fund. Dr. Phillips Foundation recently added $250,000 to the fund held by the Foundation for OCPS, bringing the total to $650,000. This fund will support first generation college students from OCPS with a priority on teacher education majors. Contributions will be multiplied through a partnership with UCF. If you are interested, check out the details on our home page at OCPS.net.

For all employees remaining with OCPS, please get some well-deserved rest this summer. And for all of our retirees, we bid you Godspeed!

Thank you for listening, goodbye.