Orange County NC Website
i <br /> 1 She said that their shared commitment guides every decision the district makes and keeps the needs of <br /> 2 children at the center of their work. <br /> 3 Danielle Jones said that the presentation would begin by showcasing great work happening across <br /> 4 OCS, which represents a collective effort from every educator in the district. She stated that the effort <br /> 5 begins with her and her leadership team, but is carried out every day in the classrooms, cafeterias, buses, <br /> 6 front offices, athletic fields, and school buildings by hardworking administrators, teachers, and staff. She <br /> 7 emphasized that OCS educators are passionate about ensuring that every child in this community <br /> 8 graduates with options — options to attend college, enter the workforce, serve in the military, pursue <br /> 9 technical training, or follow whatever path matches their gifts and aspirations. <br /> 10 Danielle Jones acknowledged that the district is not perfect and does not shy away from its <br /> 11 challenges. She cited chronic absenteeism and student discipline as two areas of ongoing focus, noting <br /> 12 that staff would discuss efforts to combat absenteeism with limited resources and during a time when <br /> 13 many families were and, in some cases, still are hesitant to send their children to school for reasons <br /> 14 beyond their control. She noted that despite those circumstances, OCS educators continue to build <br /> 15 relationships, remove barriers, and do the difficult work they're called to do. <br /> 16 Danielle Jones also addressed the financial environment. She said the district understands the <br /> 17 reality of the financial environment and acknowledged these are challenging times and public resources <br /> 18 must be managed responsibly. She expressed hope that the BOCC would find OCS budget requests <br /> 19 reasonable, thoughtful, and aligned with the needs of students. She said their presentation is not simply <br /> 20 a funding request, but is an investment in children and the families that OCS serves in the workforce <br /> 21 development and in the future of Orange County. She then turned the presentation over to OCS Chief <br /> 22 Finance Officer Rhonda Rath. <br /> 23 <br /> 24 Rhonda Rath began the following presentation: <br /> 25 <br /> 26 Slide#1 <br /> Attachment B <br /> FY 2027 Local Operating Budget Request <br /> April 30, 2026 <br /> Orange <br /> Mrs.Rhonda Rath,Chief Finance Officer County <br /> Dr.Danielle Jones, Superintendent SchooIs <br /> 27 <br /> 28 <br /> 29 <br />