The Los Alamitos Unified School District is installing colorful communication boards on elementary playgrounds to support inclusive play and give all students more ways to connect — no matter how they communicate.
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.
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.
