OCDE Newsroom

Weekly roundup: ABC7 spotlights Oxford Academy eighth-grader’s AI tool for eye alignment condition, and more

Madeline Gray May 1, 2026

Katrina Edmunds is presented with the Outstanding Career Awareness Educator Award.

OCDE now accepting nominations for Outstanding STEM Educator awards

Nathaniel Martinez May 1, 2026

Dr. Stefan Bean speaks on a stage during The Wooden Floor’s Step Beyond Annual Breakfast, with blue lighting, curtains and a podium in the background.

County superintendent shares message of resilience and support at Step Beyond Annual Breakfast

Ian Hanigan April 30, 2026

Briseyda Cabrera Mejia of Estancia High School poses with family members after being recognized as a 2026 AVID Senior Standout.

2026 OC AVID senior standouts earn $431,000 in scholarships

Vicky Nguyen April 30, 2026

2027 Orange County Teacher of the Year Ryan Healy receives a $25,000 check from the William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation while receiving congratulations from Superintendent Dr. Bean and his Marco Forster Middle School musical theater students.

OCDE announces 2027 Orange County Teachers of the Year with surprise visits

Staff reports April 29, 2026

OCDE students channel creativity to explore wellness and advocacy through TUPE Art Showcase

Ian Hanigan April 30, 2025

In a quiet hallway of a Mission Viejo community center, a gallery of student artwork lines the walls, each piece...

Performing drummers at the Orange County Arts and Disability Festival

WATCH: 49th annual Arts and Disability Festival showcases creativity and inclusion

Ian Hanigan April 30, 2025

Hundreds gathered at MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana this past Saturday to celebrate the talents of artists with disabilities during...

2025 California Classified School Employees of the Year

Three from Orange County named California Classified School Employees of the Year

Vicky Nguyen April 29, 2025

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has announced nine California Classified School Employees of the Year for 2025 — a group that includes a head custodian, a nutrition operations supervisor and a painter from Orange County. This marks the...

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...