OCDE Newsroom

Kari Adams speaks onstage at the 2025 Thompson Policy Institute Summit on Disability and Inclusion at Chapman University, standing in front of a presentation screen displaying the words “Inclusive Leadership.”

OCDE and Chapman University partnership aims to strengthen inclusive leadership in schools

Ian Hanigan May 27, 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: Evacuation orders lifted as officials declare no further risk to public

Staff reports May 26, 2026

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

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

Kindness Korner: Her 11th birthday spent completing 11 acts of kindness

Staff reports June 21, 2016

Kids’ birthday celebrations are often tied to a theme, perhaps based on their favorite movie or character. But this year one Capistrano Beach...

Strategies to steer students toward success and avoid summer learning loss

Staff reports June 20, 2016

Summer learning loss. Summer slide. Brain drain. These are three terms for one extensively studied condition in which students fall behind during long periods...

In the news: Huntington Beach Union High School District Board announces interim superintendent, tips on helping kids cope with tragedy and more

Staff reports June 17, 2016

The OCDE weekly roundup is here, just in case you missed any Orange County education news. Take a look: Students from Newhart Middle School in Mission Viejo gained valuable knowledge of engineering and robotics during a variety of technology competitions. OCDE’s administrator...

OC Health Care Agency says temperatures are on the rise, along with the risk of heat-related illnesses

Ian Hanigan June 16, 2016

Here’s hoping your Father’s Day plans are indoors. Temperatures in many inland communities may near triple-digits on Sunday, and all...

An image of students making lemonade at Arroyo Elementary School in Tustin

VIDEO: It’s boys versus girls in Arroyo Elementary’s ‘Lemonade Wars,’ but charity always wins

Staff reports June 14, 2016

Lemonade consists of lemons, sugar and water. But at Arroyo Elementary School in Tustin, lemonade means much more. Inspired by the...

A graphic that says "OC Education Top Stories"

In the news: Anaheim Union offers students paid internships, Beckman High’s only principal retires and more

Staff reports June 10, 2016

Did you miss any Orange County education stories this week? Let the OCDE weekly roundup catch you up. Take a look: Tustin’s Ladera Elementary hosted a Boosterthon Fun Run that not only taught students about the benefits of being an athlete, but also raised $15,000...

An image of OCDE staff member Susana Fernandez

OCDE in 30 Seconds: Credential and Fingerprinting Services

Staff reports June 9, 2016

Sometimes it takes just 30 seconds to get fingerprinted. So let’s take just 30 seconds to catch up with Support Services Manager Susana...

An image of OCDE staff member Steven Kim

OCDE staffer named Orange County Human Relations Diversity Community Leader Award honoree

Staff reports June 8, 2016

Steven Kim has put traumatized and abandoned youth at the center of his work for more than a decade, but now...

In the news: OC students unite for beach clean-up, 2016 Solar Cup sets sail and more

Staff reports June 3, 2016

The OCDE weekly roundup is ready to help you catch up on Orange County education news: The 2016 Solar Cup, a seven-month after-school program and event, featured a flotilla of student-built solar-powered boats. Six Peer Assistance Leadership programs and advisors received awards for...

An image of Orange County Superintendent Al Mijares

Mijares: Community partners are key to reaching ‘One Billion Acts of Kindness’

Al Mijares June 2, 2016

One billion is a number that’s impossible for most of us to fathom. But if it can be measured in...