Ian Hanigan serves as chief communications officer for the Orange County Department of Education, overseeing the Communications and Media Services unit. Along with producing stories and videos for the OCDE Newsroom, this team facilitates copywriting, video production, media relations, graphic design, web design and event support for OCDE.
Prior to joining the department in 2015, Ian spent eight years as public information officer for the 30,000-student Irvine Unified School District. Before that, he was a local journalist, writing for the Long Beach Press-Telegram from 1999 to 2003 and the South Bay’s Daily Breeze newspaper from 2003 to 2006. His beats included education, city government, business and aerospace.
OCDE’s Innovation Funding Initiative launches next month, but districts can sign up now to receive updates on key dates, announcements and opportunities tied to the new program.
CalFresh benefits for November may be delayed because of the federal government shutdown. Officials say existing EBT balances remain usable and school meals will continue without interruption.
San Clemente High and Hoag have teamed up to open a newly renovated athletic training room designed to support the health, recovery and performance of student-athletes.
With the federal Blue Ribbon program discontinued, California has named its own 2025 nominees to honor schools for exceptional academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps. Four Orange County campuses made the list.
Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s largest drug prevention campaign, began as a tribute to DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. His story sparked a movement that continues to inspire students and communities to live healthy, drug-free lives.
Sunburst Youth Academy recently celebrated becoming an Orange County Impact School. The OCDE designation promotes an exchange of ideas and best practices between local schools and the county office.