Dean West, OCDE’s associate superintendent of Business Services, was honored by the California County Superintendents on Tuesday during the group’s yearly awards ceremony and reception.
The organization, which supports county superintendents across the state, annually spotlights individuals who significantly advance the mission of supporting educational excellence.
Star Awards were presented in five categories by five corresponding committees. West, who has been a key member of the Orange County Department of Education’s leadership team since early 2017, was recognized by the Business and Administration Service Committee for his exceptional leadership and service.
“Our focus is on continuously enhancing student support through effective partnerships and strong internal practices,” West told the OCDE Newsroom. “Being recognized with this award is a humbling affirmation of our team’s commitment to advancing education in Orange County through collaboration and innovation. It reminds us of the impact we can have and motivates us to keep striving for excellence in service to our students.”
West manages OCDE’s Business Services division, which supports 28 Orange County school districts with financial management, Local Control Accountability Plan support and other business-related services. Before working at the county level, he served as chief business officer for the Laguna Beach Unified School District.
West has also served in school business services roles with the West Covina and San Marino unified school districts, and he worked as an independent consultant and auditor.
Other Star Awards were presented to Caryn Lewis of the Monterey County Office of Education for curricular improvement, Monica Vaughan of the Alameda County Office of Education for student programs, Colleen Slattery of the Placer County Office of Education for personnel services and Julie Judd of the Ventura County Office of Education for technology.
The ceremony also handed out a number of leadership awards and special honors to county superintendents throughout California.