The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District has appointed Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza as its next superintendent, effective Oct. 6. Known to colleagues as Dr. Kym, she is a veteran educator with more than 30 years of experience and most recently served as deputy superintendent of Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado.
OCDE’s School-Based Mental Health Summit united hundreds of counselors, psychologists and other professionals to prepare for the year ahead, spotlighting the vital role of wellness in student success.
Dr. Jaron Fried, a 29-year veteran of the Anaheim Union High School District and graduate of Katella High School, has been named AUHSD’s next superintendent. He will succeed Michael Matsuda, who is retiring at the end of December.
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.
