OCDE Newsroom

Mesa View Middle School students took part in an aerial art project, creating a live image of a humpback whale for the Art for the Sky program. (Screenshot courtesy of Daniel Dancer)

Weekly roundup: Mesa View students create 130-foot whale art in campuswide project, and more

Madeline Gray December 5, 2025

SVUSD Board President Suzie R. Swartz with a plaque

Longtime SVUSD trustee Suzie Swartz named CSBA’s 2025 Board Member of the Year

Ian Hanigan December 5, 2025

OCDE budget outlook remains stable but state faces long-term challenges

Ian Hanigan December 4, 2025

Sunny Hills High School students helped organize 93 baskets of Thanksgiving groceries to donate to local nonprofit Pathways for Hope at their food drive event. (Courtesy of Fullerton Joint Union High School District)

OC schools bring meals and more to local families this giving season

Madeline Gray December 4, 2025

Innovation Funding Initiative officially launches, offering up to $525,000 for bold ideas in OC schools

Ian Hanigan December 3, 2025

After months apart, cadets at Sunburst share a powerful reunion with families

Nathaniel Martinez April 29, 2025

Even from the back of the parking lot some 100 yards away, the cheers of excited parents seeing their child...

Longtime IUSD educator Cassie Parham named district’s next superintendent

Ian Hanigan April 28, 2025

The Irvine Unified School District didn’t have to go far to find its next leader. Following a comprehensive search with...

OCDE marks Fentanyl Awareness Day by spotlighting ongoing resources for student safety

Ian Hanigan April 28, 2025

With Fentanyl Awareness Day approaching on April 29, the Orange County Department of Education is encouraging schools to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of overdose prevention — and offering a range of resources to support...

Dr. Stefan Bean aboard the USS Midway Museum

Dr. Bean reflects on journey from Vietnam to county superintendent at event marking 50th anniversary of Operation Frequent Wind

Ian Hanigan April 27, 2025

Five decades after being airlifted out of Vietnam at age 4, Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean addressed...

A Huntington Beach Union High School District student, right, high-fives a Westcliff University student-athlete during Inclusive Sports Day at Edison High School.

Weekly roundup: Inclusive Sports Day celebrates students in Huntington Beach, Fullerton students shine in K-pop competition, and more

Vicky Nguyen April 25, 2025

More than 200 students from three Huntington Beach Union High School District campuses gathered at Edison High School on April...

OC high school students launch substance use prevention podcast

Nathaniel Martinez April 25, 2025

Get ready to make room for one more podcast in your rotation. The Orange County Youth Council, administered by OCDE, is launching its “Keep in Mind” podcast — a student-led series that explores substance use prevention and other health topics...

Orange Unified names Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez as next superintendent

Ian Hanigan April 24, 2025

Following an extensive search, the Orange Unified School District has announced the selection of Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez as its...

OCDE’s DHH program places third in national Battle of the Books tournament

Nathaniel Martinez April 24, 2025

There’s no need to tell OCDE’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Battle of the Books team to act like they’ve...

Light up that halo: Dr. Bean joins law enforcement and Angels to celebrate student success

Ian Hanigan April 24, 2025

Angel Stadium was the site of a big-league celebration on Wednesday as 1,600 OC students were recognized for making positive choices and improvements in school. County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean joined Sheriff Don Barnes, District Attorney Todd Spitzer...

In a predawn salute, OCDE educators deliver lawn signs to celebrate 44 Distinguished Schools

Ian Hanigan April 23, 2025

Late Monday night and early Tuesday morning, a covert crew of OCDE educators carried out a predawn mission. Call it...