OCDE Newsroom

Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean, left, Orange County Probation Chief Jessica Johnson and Lainie Rowell pose in the OCDE Studio following the recording of an episode of FutureCurrent.

FutureCurrent: OC Probation’s Jessica Johnson discusses supporting youth through rehabilitation

Vicky Nguyen August 4, 2026

Orange County Chief Deputy Probation Officer Jessica Johnson joins the latest episode of FutureCurrent to discuss how probation supports youth through education, rehabilitation and community partnerships while challenging common misconceptions about the profession.

California lawmakers return today with key education bills still in play

Ian Hanigan August 3, 2026

Quick look: While California has already approved a new budget and enacted several new school laws, a number of bills...

Participants listen attentively during a literacy training session at the OCDE Conference Center.

Yearlong literacy fellowship hosted by OCDE kicks off with summer training

Ian Hanigan July 21, 2026

Quick look: Forty educators from three OC school districts gathered this week to launch the Orange County Department of Education’s...

Mariachi members prepare to welcome students and staff on the first day of school at Thomas Edison Elementary in Anaheim. Pictured from left are student Kiara Ramon, music teacher Grace Kwon, student Rita Polo, student Lupe Estrada, student Victoria Limones and music teacher Christina Flynn.

Weekly roundup: Anaheim Union launches mariachi music program at junior high campus, and more

Madeline Gray July 17, 2026

Students in the Anaheim Union High School District will soon learn how to play instruments while gaining music history knowledge...

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

Quick look: Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean and Orange County Board of Education members Mari Barke and...

FutureCurrent: OC Arts and Disability Director Marleena Barber and able artist Joshua Roy share the power of arts inclusion

Madeline Gray July 8, 2026

Quick look: On the latest episode of FutureCurrent, Orange County Arts and Disability Director and OCDE Arts Consultant Marleena Barber...

Laguna Beach Unified welcomes back Don Austin as new superintendent

Ian Hanigan July 2, 2026

Quick look: Dr. Don Austin officially began serving as superintendent of Laguna Beach Unified this week, returning to a district...

These state education laws take effect July 1 as California schools prepare for the new year

Ian Hanigan July 1, 2026

While most new California laws go into effect on Jan. 1, some receive delayed implementation dates to give agencies and...

OCDE names Dr. Amita Cloke assistant superintendent of Special Education

Ian Hanigan June 29, 2026

Quick look: Dr. Amita Cloke has been named OCDE’s next assistant superintendent of Special Education. The longtime educator, clinician and...

Debora Wondercheck, founder and CEO of the Arts & Learning Conservatory, joins County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean and educator Lainie Rowell for an episode of OCDE’s FutureCurrent podcast.

FutureCurrent: Arts & Learning Conservancy founder Debora Wondercheck discusses the power of arts education

Vicky Nguyen June 23, 2026

On the latest episode of FutureCurrent, Arts & Learning Conservatory founder and CEO Debora Wondercheck discusses how a family story rooted in exclusion helped shape her life's work expanding access to arts education for students across Orange County.