OCDE Newsroom

Lainie Rowell, Dr. Stefan Bean and David Blair stand together on the set of the FutureCurrent podcast studio at the Orange County Department of Education.

FutureCurrent: Bright Futures Foundation leader David Blair discusses student-centered innovation

Ian Hanigan May 26, 2026

From left, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, Raelene Velasquez, Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Aller, Sunburst Youth Academy Director Lt. Col. Sarah Rambo, Principal Dinah Ismail, OCDE Executive Director of Special Education Dr. Amita Cloke and OCDE Manager of Human Resources Support Services Lorena Villa pose for a photo during the 2026 California Classified School Employees of the Year recognition ceremony in Sacramento.

Sunburst Youth Academy paraeducator honored as California Classified School Employee of the Year

Vicky Nguyen May 26, 2026

An aerial view shows emergency crews cooling a large industrial storage tank with water at the site of the Garden Grove chemical leak as mist rises from the facility.

Chemical tank update: Officials reduce evac zone; some schools reopen

Staff reports May 25, 2026

Sierra Vista Middle School students Aryan Shah, Krish Marfatia, Kaito Yamashita and Davis Barbee win the Stephenson Family Award for Sports History at the NHD-CA contest earlier this month.

Orange County claims state-leading honors at National History Day, sends 21 students to finals

Madeline Gray May 22, 2026

Students participating in the OC GRIP program gather at Angel Stadium before the Los Angeles Angels’ May 19 game against the Oakland Athletics.

Weekly roundup: Sports Illustrated highlights OC GRIP mentorship event at Angel Stadium, and more

Vicky Nguyen May 22, 2026

Experts on early learning gather for 2016-17 QualityStart OC Leadership Academy

Ian Hanigan October 17, 2016

More than 80 early learning leaders from across Orange County convened for the launch of the 2016-17 QualityStart OC Leadership Academy...

In the news: Walk to School Day, documenting the lives of seniors, the OC Pathways Showcase and more

Ian Hanigan October 14, 2016

On this day in 1947, U.S. Air Force Captain Chuck Yeager became the first pilot to break the sound barrier in...

Gift of History program that engages third-grade students in local histories earns CSBA’s Golden Bell Award

Staff reports October 14, 2016

A multi-agency, countywide history program that creates civic pride, builds 21st-century skills and promotes community engagement has been awarded the prestigious Golden Bell Award by the California School Boards Association. The Gift of History program is led by OCDE, the...

OCDE in 30 Seconds: ‘Tradition meets tomorrow’ at the Community Home Education Program, a.k.a. CHEP

Ian Hanigan October 13, 2016

OCDE’s Community Home Education Program, or CHEP, is an award-winning independent study program, offering free resources to parents who choose...

Free seasonal flu shots will be offered to OC kids and adults at two locations on Oct. 14

Ian Hanigan October 11, 2016

The Orange County Health Care Agency says free seasonal flu shots will be offered in the cities of Buena Park...

OC Pathways Showcase to highlight college and career partnerships with guests from Virgin Galactic and Roadtrip Nation

Ian Hanigan October 10, 2016

Educators and industry leaders will have an opportunity next month to explore dozens of student-led projects that demonstrate how OC Pathways and its community partners are steering the next generation toward high-skill, high-wage and high-demand careers in STEM-related fields. The event is the...