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

Agriculture program at Orange High School inspires future farmers (video)

Ian Hanigan February 22, 2016

Did you know Orange High School is home to an award-winning agriculture program? And that it’s been operating for more...

In the news: Canyon High wins OC decathlon, judge orders state to disclose student records and more

Ian Hanigan February 19, 2016

Every Friday, the OCDE Newsroom posts a roundup of the latest education headlines. Click through to review the big stories from this week.

OCDE in 30 Seconds: IT division supports the technology needs of Orange County schools

Ian Hanigan February 18, 2016

How does OCDE’s Information Technology team support students and educators throughout Orange County? If you’ve got 30 seconds, IT Director Louis Mazzarini will explain. [...]

Tustin Unified School District and foundation to host educational technology conference

Ian Hanigan February 18, 2016

The Tustin Unified School District and the Tustin Public Schools Foundation are jointly hosting their second “Connect Institute,” a technology...

Students posing for a photo after winning the Orange County Academic Decathlon

Canyon High School takes the Orange County Academic Decathlon championship

Ian Hanigan February 17, 2016

Canyon High School in the Orange Unified School District has earned top honors in this year’s Orange County Academic Decathlon....

Court orders California Department of Education to disclose student information to litigants

Ian Hanigan February 16, 2016

A federal district court has ordered the California Department of Education to disclose personal student information – including documents and data dating back to 2008 – to plaintiffs who initiated a lawsuit against the state agency. The CDE has more information and...

Expert on music and brain function to speak at upcoming Creative Edge Lecture

Ian Hanigan February 15, 2016

Noted neuroscientist and musician Charles Limb, who has extensively researched how the brain creates and responds to music, will be...

In the news: New diploma options for OC students, perfect AP Spanish scores and more

Ian Hanigan February 13, 2016

Another week is in the books, and we’ve got a recap of some of the education news you might have missed. Click through to get caught up.

OCDE in 30 Seconds: A brief look at the ‘Move More Eat Healthy’ program

Ian Hanigan February 11, 2016

Once again, we’re challenging staff members to explain Orange County Department of Education programs or services in under half a minute. For our latest installment of “OCDE in 30 Seconds,” we caught up with Program Coordinator Chris Corliss to talk...

Students smiling at the Orange County Academic Decathlon

In the news: The 2016 Orange County Academic Decathlon concludes with a flourish

Ian Hanigan February 10, 2016

In case you missed it, the Orange County Register published a fun recap — with nearly a dozen pictures — of Saturday’s Super Quiz...