OCDE Newsroom

Sam Darnold posing with his retired jersey alongside Head Coach Jaime Ortiz at the Triton Hall of Fame Golf Tournament at the Talega Golf Course in San Clemente.

San Clemente High School alumnus Sam Darnold has jersey retired and is inducted into school’s Hall of Fame

Nathaniel Martinez July 16, 2026

Recipients of the 2025 Outstanding STEM Educator Awards gather for a group photo following last year's awards celebration at the Orange County Department of Education Conference Center in Costa Mesa.

OCDE announces 2026 Outstanding STEM Educators

Vicky Nguyen July 15, 2026

Natalia Abarca, coordinator of OCDE’s Language Services unit, welcomes guests to the 2025 Interpreters and Translators Conference.

Language access professionals to celebrate 10 years of growth at OCDE conference

Vicky Nguyen July 14, 2026

Students in the inaugural Certified Nursing Assistant cohort celebrate completing the tuition-free program offered through a partnership between Orange Unified School District and Santiago Canyon College. Participants completed coursework and hands-on clinical training while still enrolled in high school.

Weekly roundup: Orange Unified, Santiago Canyon College celebrates first certified nursing assistant cohort, and more

Vicky Nguyen July 10, 2026

Dr. Stefan Bean raises his right hand while his four children administer the oath of office during an Orange County Board of Education meeting.

Orange County superintendent, board members sworn in at organizational meeting

Ian Hanigan July 9, 2026

Four Orange County high school students selected for Bank of America’s Student Leadership program

Nathaniel Martinez July 29, 2024

Bank of America’s annual Student Leaders program has selected four of Orange County’s brightest high school students who have shown...

Weekly roundup: Inside the Outdoors enriches experience for Santa Ana campers, Marina High unveils enhanced tennis courts, and more

Vicky Nguyen July 26, 2024

More than 65 students from schools in Santa Ana are spending their summer breaks at Camp Cove. Located at Crystal...

Dr. Stefan Bean and others at the active shooter training

County superintendent visits active shooter training event hosted by OC Sheriff’s Department

Ian Hanigan July 25, 2024

In recent weeks, new County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean has been making the rounds to get to know OCDE’s community partners. On Friday, July 19, school safety was top of mind as he attended an active shooter training event organized...

Ortega taking a picture of Sunburst Youth Academy service dog.

Behind the lens of the Sunburst Youth Academy media team

Nathaniel Martinez July 24, 2024

“Turn your head a little to the left, and now keep your hands to your side,” graduate Armando Ortega of...

Huntington Beach High School quarterback secures multiple D1 offers after freshman season

Nathaniel Martinez July 23, 2024

Every year, roughly 1,000,000 high school athletes compete in football, many of them dreaming to play at the collegiate level....

Q&A: Dr. Stefan Bean talks about overcoming adversity, his path to county superintendent and his vision for OC schools

Ian Hanigan July 22, 2024

Dr. Stefan Bean’s journey to becoming Orange County’s superintendent of schools reads like a movie script, a cinematic tale of resilience and odds overcome. But, as he notes, it’s really a testament to the importance of community. Born in Saigon...

Magnolia High School students sell fresh produce to community members at the MACC Farm Berry Festival on July 13. (Anaheim Union High School District)

Weekly roundup: Anaheim students cultivate community farm fest, Cypress High School graduate selected in MLB draft, and more

Madeline Gray July 19, 2024

On a 2.5-acre farm in Anaheim, students spent their Saturday teaching community members how to make strawberry jam with fresh...

WATCH: Educators converge in Anaheim for conference that aims to promote excellence for all learners

Ian Hanigan July 17, 2024

This week, the Anaheim Convention Center has become a hub for educational innovation, hosting more than 3,000 educators for the...

WATCH: OCDE’s College and Career Preparatory Academy honors 141 graduates

Madeline Gray July 15, 2024

Since 2015, OCDE’s College and Career Preparatory Academy has provided independent study options and personalized guidance for young adults looking to earn their high school diplomas. With opportunities to earn credits while juggling everyday responsibilities like full-time jobs or familial...

Fullerton School District students learn how to build in one of the district's Encore programs.

Weekly roundup: Fullerton district targets learning loss with summer programs, student-led nonprofit offers free math tutoring, and more

Nathaniel Martinez July 12, 2024

This summer, Fullerton School District students are keeping mentally active through the district’s Encore Program. Spectrum News recently featured FSD...