Mondays with Maria Podcast

Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez sits down with the five 2026 Stellar Award winners — Teacher of the Year Alexandra Figueroa, Support Person Gabriela Cardani, Principal Amy Klaber, Assistant Principal Rebecca Young, and District Administrator Kim Gilbert — as they discuss their roles, what they're proud of, and the joy of being honored at the district’s awards ceremony.

Orange Center Elementary will convert to a public-private charter school in partnership with Lift Orlando and Orange County Public Schools after a parent vote. The principal will remain, the school will expand toward a K–8 model, and parents will have a permanent seat in governance.
The partnership emphasizes STEAM programming, community supports, family empowerment, and resources that help students and parents pursue long-term educational and career success.
 

On this episode of Mondays with Maria, OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez visits Colonial High School with Deputy Superintendent Jose Martinez and three students to hear what makes their school special. The students discuss their school’s diverse community, robust programs (FFA, AP, technical pathways), the strong teacher-student connections, and how the school prepares them for college and future careers.

Superintendent Maria Vazquez hears students from across Orange County Public Schools share what they love about their schools — caring teachers, friendships, celebrations, and a wide range of extracurriculars from arts to athletics.
The episode highlights school culture, student connections, and resources like school tours and programs that help families explore opportunities and keep students engaged.

Superintendent Maria Vazquez visits Memorial Middle School to talk with Principal Eddie Foster, Teacher of the Year Jean-Gilles, and students about the school’s culture, music programs, leadership opportunities, and academic progress.
The episode highlights the growing band and drumline, multiple All-County selections, the principal’s council and second-chance approach, as well as strategies that reduced absenteeism through home visits and wraparound support.

Join Superintendent Maria Vazquez and Orange Technical College Executive Leader Rosa Grant as they highlight the many hands-on programs through Career and Technical Education at Orange Technical College. Field such as health, IT, construction, manufacturing, and transportation that prepare students and adults for in-demand, high-wage jobs quickly and affordably. They discuss everything from dual enrollment, industry partnerships, high job placement rates, and more.  

In this episode, Superintendent Maria Vazquez and guests highlight the wide range of programs and supports available through Orange County Public Schools, from magnet programs and advanced coursework (AP, IB, Cambridge, dual enrollment) to career certifications and award-winning arts and athletics.
They discuss student supports, inclusion for exceptional learners, partnerships with local colleges, virtual learning options, and the community investments that make these opportunities possible, encouraging families to explore and visit their local schools.

Join OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez at Wekiva High School as she sits down with Chef Bates and students Parker and Aaron to explore the Culinary Arts Magnet Program. Discover how the program grew, student-run businesses like the Mustang Creamery gelato shop, hands-on events such as Taste of Wekiva, catering opportunities, and real-world skills that prepare students for careers and entrepreneurship.

In this episode Dr. Maria Vazquez talks with OCPS sustainability leaders about the district’s Sustainability Plan 2030, its five targets (waste, water, health & wellness, energy, and transportation), and real examples from schools like Ivey Lane, Magnolia, and Zellwood.
They discuss programs such as composting pilots, water-usage education, Energy Star-certified schools, electric buses and vans, and the Green School Recognition Program that celebrates student-driven sustainability efforts.

Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez and Dr. Rahim Jones highlight standout Orange County Public Schools elementary programs — from kindergarten chess clubs and dual-language classrooms to Rock Your School, the Amazing Shake, service learning, and strong teacher development.
The episode shows how these academic and non-academic opportunities, certified teachers, and professional learning prepare OCPS students with skills for college, careers, and community engagement.