A U.S. Supreme Court issued in June says public schools must notify parents and allow them to opt out of classroom instruction that substantially burdens their sincerely held religious beliefs.
Orange County schools are reopening for the 2025-26 year, with most starting in August and some year-round programs already underway. Districts are navigating declining enrollment, a mixed state budget and a continued emphasis on student outcomes.
OCDE has formed a new division that unites alternative education with health, wellness and wraparound services to better support students. Dr. Kimberly Benaraw has been named associate superintendent of Student Services and Programs, while Dr. Maria Martinez-Poulin has been named chief of ACCESS.
The Anaheim Union High School District has partnered with Google to give students a chance to earn industry-recognized credentials in fields like data analytics and project management. The Google Career Certificates program is integrated into daily instruction and has recently expanded to offer training for parents.
The long-running Safe Schools Conference is now the National Safe Schools Conference, reflecting its growing national reach. This year's three-day event kicks off July 9, bringing together educators and law enforcement to share strategies for safer, more supportive campuses.
California’s new budget protects school funding and invests in literacy, teacher training and transitional kindergarten — a better-than-expected outcome in a tough fiscal year.
Sunburst Youth Academy, a partnership between the California National Guard and OCDE, celebrated its 35th graduating class on June 20, honoring 171 cadets — including 15 who earned high school diplomas.
OCDE hosted its first State of the Student Forum on June 12 to review the latest data on student outcomes with educational and community partners. The report highlights key successes and areas for growth, with the goal of driving positive, data-informed change.
Laguna Beach Unified has named Dr. Jason Glass as its next superintendent starting July 1. Orange and Irvine Unified School Districts also recently hired new superintendents, while Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified is actively searching for its next chief.
Quick look: Vanguard University in Costa Mesa will host its first Disability Symposium on June 25, offering sessions on inclusive...