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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: Schools out of evac zone reopen as tank temperature holds steady

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
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
Retired U.S. Rep. Grace Napolitano and Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the Grace F. Napolitano Outdoor Learning Center at Sunburst Youth Academy.

Sunburst Youth Academy dedicates outdoor learning center in honor of Rep. Grace Napolitano

Ian Hanigan May 9, 2025
Quick look: Sunburst Youth Academy dedicated a new outdoor learning center in honor of retired Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, recognizing her...
2022 CA MTSS PLI

State leaders briefed on California MTSS gains, encouraged to sustain framework

Ian Hanigan May 8, 2025
Quick look: State leaders were briefed Thursday on the progress of the California MTSS framework, which has demonstrated success in...
Group photo of OCDE Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean, Orange County Board of Education members Jorge Valdes, Mari Barke, Ken Williams, Lisa Sparks and Tim Shaw standing with student Rebecca Page and her teacher Mike Zanio.

‘A time to reflect, to honor’: Students participate in Jack R. Hammett Memorial Day Essay and Art Contest

Ian Hanigan May 8, 2025
Quick look: OCDE student Rebecca Page earned top honors in the Jack R. Hammett Memorial Day Essay and Art Contest, which drew more than 120 entries. Winners were recognized at the May 7 Orange County Board of Education meeting, where...
Students with their Civic Learning Pathway certificates

OCDE honors students and schools for civic learning achievements

Nathaniel Martinez May 7, 2025
The Orange County Department of Education recently celebrated local school districts and their students for championing civic learning at its...
A note from Dr. Bean

Dr. Bean: Celebrating Orange County’s 2026 Teachers of the Year

Stefan Bean May 6, 2025
Most of us can point to a teacher who changed our lives — someone who saw us clearly and believed...
Two high school students holding professional camera equipment

OC Supervisor Nguyen, County Superintendent Bean to host student career exploration event on May 22

Ian Hanigan May 5, 2025
Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen and County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean are teaming up to present a special event designed to connect students with career training opportunities, internships and other potential pathways to high-demand fields. Empowering the Future:...
Orange County School of the Arts dance program

Weekly roundup: OC Register names this year’s top student artists, CalKIDS offers college scholarships, and more

Madeline Gray May 2, 2025
More than 900 high school artists — the most in the program’s history — were nominated this year for their...
Megan Lee, Loara Elementary School, Anaheim Elementary School District

OCDE announces 2026 Orange County Teachers of the Year with surprise visits

Staff reports May 1, 2025
Six outstanding educators received the surprise of a lifetime Wednesday as they were named 2026 Orange County Teachers of the...
Leah Marie Felix holding a gift basket and certificate in front of her winning artwork — a colorful drawing of lungs promoting a tobacco-free lifestyle — at the 2025 TUPE Art Showcase.

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 delivering a personal message about health, tobacco prevention and the power of choice. The collection is part of the 2025...
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...
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