Spurred by lessons from last year’s Los Angeles wildfires, OC leaders came together to focus on shared responsibility in disaster preparedness. County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean emphasized that schools often serve as first points of connection for families, especially the most vulnerable.
The California School Boards Association honored Suzie R. Swartz as its 2025 Board Member of the Year, recognizing her 25 years of service and leadership on behalf of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District.
OCDE expects to meet all financial obligations for the next three years, even as statewide economic pressures and declining enrollment continue to shape long-term budget planning.
OCDE’s Innovation Funding Initiative launches today, inviting districts to apply for up to $525,000 to bring innovative, student-centered ideas to life. Applications are open through Jan. 30, 2026.
NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar joined students at Thomas Edison Elementary to launch a new outdoor STEM partnership between his Skyhook Foundation and OCDE’s Inside the Outdoors. The celebration included 3,000 donated Adidas shoes and backpacks for Anaheim students.
County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean was named the 2025 Community Pillar of Influence for Education, joining four leaders recognized for strengthening Orange County. He was also recently honored by the Orange County Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the California Association of Asian and Pasifika Leaders in Education.
