A former Orange Elementary Cheetah is returning to her roots.
In a special called meeting Wednesday, the Orange County School Board announced the appointment of Jamie Howie as the Orange Elementary School (OES) Principal. Howie is a 2009 Orange County High School (OCHS) graduate who began her own education at OES.
“I am thrilled to be joining the cheetah community as assistant principal at Orange
Elementary School, a school that holds a very special place in my heart,” Howie said.
“As a former student of OES, returning in this leadership role is a full-circle moment
and an incredible honor.”
Howie is also continuing her family’s long legacy of serving in Orange County Public Schools. Her mother, Leigh Ann Yurasits, worked as a teacher for years at OCHS, focusing on family and consumer sciences. Father Jim Yurasits was a biology teacher for nearly 20 years before becoming an assistant principal and later the division’s director of accountability and sister Julia Ingersoll teaches Spanish I at OCHS.
“Your family absolutely bleeds Orange,” District 3 School Board member Jack Rickett said.
Before her new appointment, Howie was also at OCHS, teaching visual arts, a role she maintained for 13 years. She has a bachelor of fine arts degree with a concentration in art education from Longwood University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from James Madison University.
Howie is passionate about fostering positive relationships, supporting student creativity and growth and creating learning environments where every student can thrive.
“I understand firsthand the impact that dedicated educators and a strong school community can have on a child’s life,” she said.
Howie is excited to join the collaborative and supportive culture at OES.
“It is clear that this community is committed to working together to ensure that student success and well-being remains at the forefront of every decision,” she said. “I look forward to partnering with our teachers and staff, supporting our students, and building meaningful relationships with the families of Orange as we continue to create opportunities for all young learners to succeed.”
Howie and her husband, Michael, live in the county with their two children.
“I am proud to be a product of OCPS and my husband Michael and I are grateful for the opportunity to raise our two sons here in the place that helped shape me, and I am eager to contribute to the continued success of this wonderful school community,” she said.
