Welcome
If you believe our public schools should be places where all children feel safe and welcome and receive an excellent education; if you believe that this is best accomplished by working in community; if you believe that we should celebrate and defend diversity, inclusion, and critical thinking, then you have come to the right place.
Communities Supporting Orange County Schools (CSOCS) is for parents, caregivers, teachers, students, and community members who are dedicated to nurturing a vibrant future for every child and family in Orange County Schools (OCS). We firmly believe in the power of community engagement and inclusivity to make Orange County, from White Cross to Hillsborough to Cedar Grove, not just a great place to live, but home to thriving schools and communities. Public schools are foundational to our democracy and community civic life. Now more than ever, they need our support and our protection.
Why CSOCS? Why now? In recent years, our district has made great strides in serving all students, particularly those too often left behind or left out. The backlash against this progress has been swift and effective. Talking with friends and neighbors, we've found so many people who want to see schools that are excellent and inclusive but have hesitated to step out alone in vocal support. The time to support this effort is now, and we can do it together. CSOCS is a venue for people to organize joyfully in the name of continuing progress toward academic excellence in schools that work for every child. We may not always agree on every issue, but we are united and ready to support our schools together on that commitment. We invite you to join us.
Our Values
-
We proudly value diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion as good for every student. We believe that a culturally responsive curriculum serves every student and positions them to thrive in a diverse and changing world.
-
We value safe schools and embrace a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to foster a safe learning environment. When students' needs are met, they are more likely to succeed in school and positively engage in their school community. Our schools should be warm and welcoming places, both culturally and physically. Student discipline should resolve the root causes of student behavior, and focus on keeping children in school and learning. Racial disparities in disciplinary actions are unacceptable and must be addressed.
-
We believe that public schools are foundational to democracy. Our public schools are one of the few places where people of all backgrounds, races, religions, incomes, and abilities come together. Creating learning environments where all of these children are served and thriving is an early and critical lesson in civic engagement and shapes future engaged citizens. This should be celebrated and protected.
-
Our educators and support staff should be given the support, time, and other resources they need to best serve students and avoid burnout.
-
We believe that historically marginalized students and their families need to know that Orange County Schools are safe and welcoming for them.
-
We believe that our LGBTQ+ students and families need to know that Orange County Schools are safe and welcoming for them.
Vision and Mission
Our vision is for the Orange County School (OCS) district to be one where every child of every background and ability feels welcomed in school and receives a top-notch education that prepares them for the future.
Our mission is to work toward this equitable and excellent learning environment by electing members to the Board of Education (BOE) who are committed to fulfilling this vision, to work together both in and out of election season, and to hold BOE members accountable to the commitments they have made to our learning communities.