HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-05-2013 - 4b1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 5, 2013
Action Agenda
Item No. 4 -b
SUBJECT: Resolution Commending the Northern Orange Education Task Force, Its
Founders and the Sankofa Award Recipients
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Resolution Clerk's Office, 245 -2130
PURPOSE: To consider a resolution commending the Northern Orange Education Task Force,
its founders and the Sankofa Award recipients.
BACKGROUND: At the June 18, 2013 BOCC meeting, Commissioner Renee Price petitioned
the Board to consider a resolution commending the Northern Orange Education Task Force, its
founders and the Sankofa Award recipients.
In 2007, concerned members of the Orange County community convened and established the
Northern Orange Education Task Force, inclusive of the Sankofa Award Committee, under the
guidance of Mr. Keith Cook and then Orange County Schools (OCS) Superintendent Patrick
Rhodes. The mission of the Northern Orange Education Task Force was "to collaborate with
Orange County Schools, parents, families and the Northern Orange community in promoting a
sound basic education for ALL Orange County Schools students in a healthy, safe and
supportive environment while addressing the needs of minority students ". The vision of the
Northern Orange Education Task Force is "to serve as an advocate for Northern Orange
parents and actively involve the community as a catalyst for change in building understanding
and support for all students," and "to ensure accountability and equity in a healthy, safe and
supportive environment."
The Sankofa Scholars is a program under the Northern Orange Education Task Force, and it
is a select group of minority high school students who have maintained a 3.0 grade point
average and above. Scholars receive a Sankofa lapel pen. The Sankofa Scholars Award
Banquet is held annually to recognize Sankofa Scholars and induct new scholars. Parents and
care givers are invited. The inaugural banquet was held on June 7, 2007.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board consider the resolution and, if
approved, authorize the Chair to sign the resolution.
RES -2013 -056
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE NORTHERN ORANGE EDUCATION TASK
FORCE, ITS FOUNDERS AND THE SANKOFA AWARD RECIPIENTS
Whereas, in 2007, concerned members of the Orange County community
convened and established the Northern Orange Education Task Force, inclusive
of the Sankofa Award Committee, under the guidance of Mr. Keith Cook and
then - Superintendent Patrick Rhodes; and
Whereas, the mission of the Northern Orange Education Task Force is "to
collaborate with Orange County Schools, parents, families and the Northern
Orange community in promoting a sound basic education for all Orange County
Schools students in a healthy, safe and supportive environment while addressing
the needs of minority students "; and
Whereas, the vision of the Northern Orange Education Task Force is "to serve
as an advocate for Northern Orange parents and actively involve the community
as a catalyst for change in building understanding and support for all students,"
and "to ensure accountability and equity in a healthy, safe and supportive
environment "; and
Whereas, since 2008, a total of 1,356 students have satisfied the requirement to
receive the Sankofa Award, having achieved and maintained a 3.0 or higher
grade average throughout the school year; and
Whereas, the 6t" Annual Minority Student Academic Achievement Awards
Program was held in June 2013, whereupon 253 high school students were
honored with Sankofa Awards;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of
County Commissioners, on behalf of the Orange County community, commends
the members of the Northern Orange Education Task Force, Mr. Keith Cook and
retired Superintendent Patrick Rhodes for their commitment to closing the
academic achievement gap among minority students, and to promoting self
confidence within minority students; and
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of
County Commissioners, on behalf of the Orange County community,
congratulates these young women and men who worked diligently and received
the Sankofa Award over the past six years, and looks forward to continued
excellence in achievement among all Orange County students.
This the 5t" day of September 2013.
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners