District Dispatches

Remembering Bill Spoone

Former OCPS educator and School Board Member William “Bill” C. Spoone died Jan. 2 at age 89.

Originally from Tennessee, Spoone and his family came to Orlando in 1958 for him to coach football at Edgewater High. He also taught and coached at Evans High after stints at schools in Volusia and Seminole counties.

After earning a master's degree in education in 1971 from Rollins College, Spoone became principal at Howard Junior High (1971-75), followed by more than a decade at Oak Ridge High (1975-86). He also was the first principal of Dr. Phillips High, where he led for six years (1986-1992). He then was elected to the Orange County School Board, where he served District 4 for eight years (1992-2000).

Known for his “hip-hip-hooray” leadership style, Spoone was inducted into the Oak Ridge High School Sports Hall of Fame and the school's gymnasium is named after him. The Dr. Phillips High community also honored Spoone by naming its football stadium after him.

“We were truly saddened to hear the news of Bill Spoone's death,” said Superintendent Barbara M. Jenkins. “Bill positively impacted the lives of thousands of students in OCPS as a teacher, coach, principal and board member over 40 years. His work in the classroom, on the football field and in the boardroom exemplifies a life devoted to leading students to success. He will be greatly missed.”

Learning Counsel Award

OCPS was named an EduJedi District Innovator by The Learning Counsel at its annual national gathering in December 2021. The award recognized the district for providing more than 188,000 devices; addressing tech onboarding for families; having student and parent portals; and offering a breadth of digital curriculum resources and services.

Orange Technical College Update

As part of its re-accreditation process with the Council on Occupational Education, Orange Technical College has adopted new geographic indicators as part of its evolution into one postsecondary institution.

The school's downtown Orlando campus will be known as the main campus for Orange Technical College, and the following campus names will change:

• Avalon is now the Avalon Campus. • Mid Florida is now the South Campus. • Westside is now the West Campus. • Winter Park is now the East Campus.

Stay tuned for more updates as OTC continues to increase student access, interest and enrollment in vocational learning.

In case you missed it ….

The 2020-21 graduation rates for the state, school districts and high schools were released by the Florida Department of Education in January. OCPS continues to increase the number of graduating seniors and outpace the state average.

2020-21 GRADUATION RATES

98.4% TRADITIONAL HIGH SCHOOLS

90.4%

ALL SCHOOLS INCLUDING ALTERNTIVE AND CHARTER SCHOOLS

90.1% STATE AVERAGE