OCDE Newsroom

Introducing the Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation: New nonprofit to bolster support for students

Ian Hanigan November 18, 2025

An independent foundation has launched to help expand educational opportunities for students across the county. The Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation will be led by David Blair, who brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience.

Westminster School District officials including Superintendent Dr. Gunn Marie Hansen and Johnson Middle School Principal Daniel Owens cut the ribbon on the opening of the Helping Hands Food Pantry. (Courtesy of Westminster School District)

Weekly roundup: Westminster food pantry offers helping hand to families, Los Alamitos cheer to represent US at finals, and more

Madeline Gray November 14, 2025

As the holiday season approaches and families feel the strain of rising food costs, the Westminster School District has expanded...

With support from OCDE and Butte County, a familiar framework is helping L.A. County schools recover from last year’s wildfires

Ian Hanigan November 12, 2025

OCDE and the Butte County Office of Education are partnering through California’s Multi-Tiered System of Support framework to help Los Angeles County schools recover from the Eaton and Palisades fires.

A high school student wearing headphones and holding an acoustic guitar sits at a microphone in a recording studio during the Fender Play songwriting workshop.

USA 250-OC songwriting competition adds new partners, $500 cash prizes for winners

Vicky Nguyen November 12, 2025

Orange County high school students can submit original songs for the USA 250-OC Theme Song Competition, with top entries earning $500 cash prizes. Supported by Fender, Cal State Fullerton and UC Irvine, winning songs will be performed at a countywide July 4, 2026 celebration.

How the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act shaped inclusive education over 50 years

Madeline Gray November 10, 2025

Passed in 1975, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act guaranteed that every child with a disability has the right to a free and appropriate public education — transforming how schools support students and forming special education for generations.

Brea Olinda High School’s Masquerade show choir performs on stage under colorful lighting during the 2026 Orange County Teachers of the Year gala at the Disneyland Hotel, with guests seated at round tables throughout the ballroom.

WATCH: Orange County’s top teachers celebrated in style at Disneyland Hotel

Ian Hanigan November 8, 2025

Quick look: The 2026 Teachers of the Year gala celebrated 62 outstanding educators at the Disneyland Hotel. Hosted by OCDE...

New reading buddies hold “See Marcus Grow” by Marcus Bridgewater.

Weekly roundup: PYLUSD students turn the page on reading and connection, Anaheim Elementary schools unveil book vending machines, and more

Vicky Nguyen November 7, 2025

Students at Ruby Drive Elementary and Kraemer Middle School are proving that some of the best stories happen off the...

Introducing the Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation: New nonprofit to bolster support for students

Weekly roundup: Westminster food pantry offers helping hand to families, Los Alamitos cheer to represent US at finals, and more

With support from OCDE and Butte County, a familiar framework is helping L.A. County schools recover from last year’s wildfires

USA 250-OC songwriting competition adds new partners, $500 cash prizes for winners

How the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act shaped inclusive education over 50 years

WATCH: Orange County’s top teachers celebrated in style at Disneyland Hotel

Weekly roundup: PYLUSD students turn the page on reading and connection, Anaheim Elementary schools unveil book vending machines, and more

OC elementary and middle schools recognized among top campuses in U.S. News rankings

Dr. Bean joins county supervisor for Small-Scale Housing Summit

OC schools mark 40 years of Red Ribbon Week with youth-led prevention efforts

Orange County Department of Education