Building Better
Futures

Jake Petroski’s campaign for OCPS School Board is rooted in the belief that the purpose of public education is to prepare students for success long after graduation day.  That belief has been cultivated by years of classroom experience in addition to parenting two current OCPS students. “I love this community and I feel we have a responsibility to offer the best education possible to our children.”  Jake is the only candidate with years of classroom experience behind him, and two children currently enrolled in OCPS schools.

Adding to his resume, Jake was selected to be a 2024 member of Leadership Orange. The eight-month-long leadership program covers every facet of the Orange County Public Schools system with behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on demonstrations, student interaction, and quality time with the experts in their fields. Also, in addition to his years of school volunteering, Jake is finishing up his second year on Gotha Middle School’s School Advisory Council. 

Furthermore, Jake is the District Four candidate, endorsed by the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association. District Four is facing unique challenges that Jake is ready to face on Day 1. He views these challenges not as roadblocks, but as opportunities for OCPS. His top priorities are focused on student safety, increasing literacy proficiency, supporting OCPS teachers, and expanding career and technical education programs. Education is changing. Students and parents have more choices and flexibility now more than ever. Jake believes that OCPS should be positioned as the premier educational choice for families by offering innovative programs taught by the best educators in the country. This is where Jake’s past experience as a Career and Technical (CTE) teacher truly shines.

He understands that this type of education can be the catalyst that drives community engagement with our schools.  CTE helps the community and local industry by getting students industry-certified in a variety of trades and technical career pathways. Local industry leaders will play a critical role in developing these programs.  In return, students will be able to embark on a pathway that leads them to certification and employment opportunities. 

Jake is excited for the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead: “My years in the classroom have shown me that there are teachable moments around every corner. There are no tests, benchmarks, or data plotting that can compare to the teachable moments that organically happen within a school.  True educational leaders need to cultivate inclusive learning environments that encourage our teachers to string together these teachable moments for our students.  This is how we build a better village—together.”