All Aboard!

Jake Petroski is a teacher at heart.  Not only did he teach in Central Florida for years, he also has two daughters is elementary and middle schools. All powerful motivators for seeking a position on the Orange County School Board.

After speaking extensively with school administrators, parents, teachers, and students, Jake has identified several areas that need attention.

Safety is a top priority.  “We all worry about active shooters. So, how do we address that? Shoring up a single point of entry and developing a rigorous standard for entrance makes perfect sense.”

Teacher support is another. “Did you know that our Orange County Public School System is the 8th largest in the country, but that OCPS teachers make less than the national average? We say we want the best, brightest, and most innovative teachers, but we aren’t doing enough to support them. It’s time to not only increase salaries, but also find ways to lessen their workload.

Transportation is another challenge. “We have a bus driver shortage, but let’s combat that with real-time bus routing technology, or utilizing high occupancy vans that don’t require drivers to have a CDL.”

And then there is Jake’s number one passion: “My real passion is literacy. Literacy starts with teacher training. Let’s get all of our K thru 2nd grade teachers trained in the Orton Gillingham method of instruction. The investment in such a program is minimal compared to the amazing returns.”

“We can do this. We can create the best, most innovative schools in the country when all of us, including our parents, our community leaders, our faith-based leaders, and our business leaders work together.”