Author Ian Hanigan

Ian Hanigan
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.
California State Capitol Building

Governor’s latest spending plan calls for increased school funding

Ian Hanigan
A new state spending plan unveiled Thursday by Governor Jerry Brown would provide a $5.4 billion increase for California's K-14 public school system. Indeed, the budget proposed for the fiscal year that starts July 1 reflects California’s steady economic improvement — and the governor’s commitment to fully implementing California's new education funding formula. [...]
An image of the interior of California's Capitol Building

Here’s a look at California’s new education laws for 2016

Ian Hanigan
A new year is upon us, and that means all sorts of new state laws go into effect. Here at the OCDE Newsroom, we’ve been specifically tracking a handful of educational bills that are expected to have an impact on Orange County students and schools. Click through to see what's changing.
An image of students in a classroom

California tells the feds teachers are needed in most subject areas

Ian Hanigan
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a teacher, this might be a good time. According to a recent article from EdSource, California is reporting teacher shortages in most subject areas. Such a disclosure might result in increased federal assistance in the form of tuition grants and forgiveness on some student loan debt for those willing to fill the gaps. [...]
Zena Meyer of Irvine

Orange County student chosen to represent California in the U.S. Senate Youth Program

Ian Hanigan
An Orange County School of the Arts student with aspirations of public service and a very impressive resume will represent California in the 54th annual United States Senate Youth Program. Zena Meyer of Irvine secured the prestigious appointment following a rigorous review process and the high school junior will travel to Washington, D.C. in March to study the federal government as a guest of the U.S. Senate. [...]