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

Fullerton Union High School teacher Alexandra Walker and her family with Maasai Mara school-aged children in Kenya, where they donated 400 menstrual pads to support education and address period poverty. (Courtesy of Alexandra Walker)

Fullerton Union students tackle menstrual stigma and poverty locally and globally through Period Club

Vicky Nguyen September 5, 2024

From Fullerton Joint Union High School District to the Maasai Mara tribe in Kenya, the student-led Period Club at Fullerton...

County superintendent appoints Dennis Cole as OCDE’s new chief of staff

Ian Hanigan September 4, 2024

Orange County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean announced Wednesday the appointment of Dennis Cole as his new chief of staff. Cole,...

Inside the Outdoors to host Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay

Vicky Nguyen September 3, 2024

Inside the Outdoors, in partnership with OC Parks, invites volunteers to join the 2024 California Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay, one of California’s last remaining coastal wetlands, on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers...

Fullerton School District students are recognized by the district board of trustees for their national speech and debate title on Aug. 20. (Courtesy of Fullerton School District)

Weekly roundup: Fullerton students earn national speech and debate title, Girl Scouts donate book vending machine to Newport Elementary, and more

Madeline Gray August 30, 2024

A team of 20 Fullerton School District students clinched a champion title for the fifth consecutive year at this summer’s...

Huntington Beach Union High School District administrators Stacy Robison and Amy Sabol earn arts administrator awards at the Orange County Music and Arts Administrator Awards on Feb. 27 at the Segerstrom Center of the Arts.

OCDE seeks nominations for 2024-25 Orange County Music and Arts Administrators Awards

Vicky Nguyen August 29, 2024

Music and arts educators play a vital role in inspiring creativity and enriching students’ educational experiences. Through their leadership and...

CCPA opens doors to new opportunities for young adults in need of a diploma

Ian Hanigan August 28, 2024

“Life is about where you want to go and what you do to get there.” That quote from a former student now graces a main hallway at the College and Career Preparatory Academy, highlighting the unique school’s mission to uplift...

Children's book author Vicky Fang presents her book, "AlphaBot" for students ahead of the STEAM Race to Space Reading Challenge.

STEAM reading challenge for students prepares to launch this fall

Madeline Gray August 28, 2024

In November, Orange County students from transitional kindergarten to 12th grade will be invited to take their love of books...

Monroe Elementary Language Academy first day of school

2024-25 school year: Here’s a roundup of back-to-school posts from social media

Vicky Nguyen August 28, 2024

From festive balloon arches to red carpet arrivals, school districts across Orange County are rolling out the welcome mat for...

Inside the Outdoors marks 50 years of inspiring environmental stewardship in Orange County

Vicky Nguyen August 27, 2024

For half a century, Inside the Outdoors has been at the forefront of environmental education in Orange County, fostering a deep connection between students and the natural world. Since its inception in 1974, the program — administered by the Orange...

WATCH: OCDE Mental Health Summit doubles attendance from previous year

Ian Hanigan August 26, 2024

The Orange County Department of Education hosted its second annual Mental Health Summit at the Hilton Orange County on Thursday,...