OCDE Newsroom

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

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

Students interact with an industry professional at a Future Leaders Conference exhibit, featuring a keyboard, microphone, and other tools for hands-on learning and career exploration.

WATCH: Future Leaders Conference inspires OC students with AI innovation and career workshops

Ian Hanigan November 21, 2024

Hundreds of students gathered at the JW Marriott in Anaheim on Wednesday for the Future Leaders Conference, an event designed...

How did your school perform? State unveils updated California School Dashboard

Ian Hanigan November 21, 2024

The 2024 California School Dashboard is up and running, offering both big-picture and detailed views of how public schools and...

Parenting OC 2024 Top Teacher Elizabeth Ellison of Fisler School in Fullerton School District

Nominations open for Parenting OC School Heroes of Orange County recognition

Madeline Gray November 20, 2024

Do you know a teacher or school employee who has made an invaluable impact on the lives of Orange County students? Parenting OC is now accepting nominations for its School Heroes of Orange County awards program. For its 12th annual...

Nearly 500 people gathered in Long Beach on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 for the Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum Conference, which included a session where survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime shared firsthand accounts.

Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum Conference highlights history and resilience

Vicky Nguyen November 19, 2024

Nearly 500 teachers, educational leaders and community members gathered in Long Beach on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 for a...

Orange County elementary and middle schools featured in U.S. News & World Report ranking

Ian Hanigan November 18, 2024

Elementary and middle schools across Orange County have earned spots on U.S. News & World Report’s latest rundown of quality...

Weekly roundup: Spectrum News spotlights Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean, Los Alamitos High student launches program to empower peers, and more

Madeline Gray November 15, 2024

Dr. Stefan Bean’s journey to serving as the 12th Orange County Superintendent of Schools is likely the sort of storyline you’d come across in a film. Spectrum News recently shed light on Dr. Bean’s path, from the obstacles he faced...

Irvine Unified School District Superintendent Terry Walker

Irvine Unified Superintendent Terry Walker announces plans to retire after more than 13 years

Ian Hanigan November 14, 2024

Terry Walker, who has helmed the Irvine Unified School District as its superintendent since 2011, has announced plans to retire...

Dr. Bean named to Orange County Business Counsel board of directors.

Orange County Superintendent named to Orange County Business Council board of directors

Nathaniel Martinez November 13, 2024

The Orange County Business Council (OCBC) recently announced that Dr. Stefan Bean, Orange County superintendent of schools, has been named...

Franklin Elementary School cookie mock election

Weekly roundup: Fourth-graders cast votes in sweet mock election at Franklin Elementary, USDA to eliminate school lunch fees, and more

Vicky Nguyen November 8, 2024

Fourth graders at Franklin Elementary, part of the Santa Ana Unified School District, got a taste of democracy with a delicious twist this week. Led by teacher Iris Correa, students participated in a mock election featuring two “candidates” — sugar...

Jewish Federation of Orange County members with the Orange County Board of Education and County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean.

Jewish students share stories, experiences to counteract antisemitism, foster understanding in OC schools

Ian Hanigan November 7, 2024

Seeking to bridge cultural divides, Jewish high schoolers across Orange County are stepping into classrooms to share personal stories and...