Orange County Department of Education

09/11/2026

Representatives from OCDE joined the Anaheim Union High School District at its Board of Trustees meeting Thursday evening to recognize the district as one of six participants in the first cohort of OCDE’s Innovation Funding Initiative.

Scott Reindl, OCDE’s executive director of Career Education and Workforce Development, presented Superintendent Dr. Jaron Fried, Board President Jessica Guerrero and district leaders with a ceremonial $525,000 check in support of Anaheim Union’s Integrated College and Career Readiness Roadmap.

The project is designed to help students connect what they’re learning in school with where they want to go next. Students will develop personalized six-year academic and career plans that connect their interests, strengths and coursework with college options, career pathways, internships, dual enrollment and opportunities in the local workforce.

The initiative will also support on-campus simulation centers for students with moderate to severe disabilities, providing hands-on vocational training in a supportive and inclusive setting.

“I can’t wait to see these ideas come to life to support our students, as well as to inspire other districts throughout the county and beyond,” Reindl said.

Launched under the leadership of Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean as part of OCDE’s 5-3-1 Strategic Plan, the Innovation Funding Initiative supports district-led ideas that can strengthen student outcomes and be shared across Orange County.

Anaheim Union is one of six districts selected for the initiative’s inaugural cohort.

Image description: Representatives from OCDE and the Anaheim Union High School District pose together during an Anaheim Union Board of Trustees meeting while holding a ceremonial $525,000 check from OCDE’s Innovation Funding Initiative. The check recognizes the district as one of six participants in the initiative’s inaugural cohort and supports its Integrated College and Career Readiness Roadmap.

09/10/2026

OCDE’s redesigned website is now live with improved navigation, enhanced mobile functionality and updated content designed to make it easier for educators, students, families and community members to find programs, services and resources.

The launch capped a months-long effort involving teams across the department, with more than 2,000 pages created and thousands of resources uploaded to the new platform.

OCDE’s redesigned website offers a fresh look, improved navigation and a more consistent experience across desktop and mobile devices, making it easier for visitors to explore the department’s prog…

09/10/2026

Los Alamitos High School students stepped behind the cameras, microphones and production equipment Sept. 4 for the school’s first live varsity football broadcast produced entirely by students.

As the Griffins faced Junipero Serra High School, students operated seven cameras, called the game, conducted sideline interviews and managed audio, graphics and camera feeds — all in real time.

Students in a new Advanced Live Broadcasting class at Los Alamitos High School put their skills to the test Sept. 4, producing the school’s first live varsity football broadcast run entirely by stu…

09/10/2026

Fountain Valley School District’s Math Learning Lab Model was recognized Tuesday as one of six projects selected for the first cohort of OCDE’s Innovation Funding Initiative.

OCDE’s Jonathan Swanson, Ed.D., assistant superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Academic Enrichment, and Diane Ehrle, Ed.D., director of Continuous Improvement and Leadership Development, joined the Fountain Valley School District Board of Trustees meeting to present a ceremonial $525,000 check to Superintendent Katherine Stopp, Ed.D., board trustees and district educators.

Part of OCDE’s 5-3-1 Strategic Plan, the Innovation Funding Initiative supports innovative projects designed to strengthen student engagement and achievement while generating ideas that can be shared across Orange County schools.

The funding will support Fountain Valley’s collaborative classroom learning labs where teachers can observe one another’s instruction, analyze student work, and expand access to high-quality Tier 1 mathematics instruction for every student.

“Through structured classroom lab cycles, teachers learn alongside one another in real classrooms,” said Dr. Swanson. “This approach transforms professional development from isolated one-time training into a sustainable districtwide system grounded in collaboration, inquiry and continuous improvement.”

Fountain Valley School District is one of six districts selected for the initiative’s inaugural cohort. County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean and OCDE leadership are visiting each participating district to recognize the innovative projects and the educators turning vision into reality.

Image descriptions:
No. 1: Fountain Valley School District leadership and OCDE leadership pose in a meeting room while holding an oversized check from the Orange County Department of Education’s Innovation Funding Initiative. The check, dated Sept. 8, 2026, awards Fountain Valley School District $525,000 and identifies the district as a Cohort 1 Awardee.

No. 2: OCDE Assistant Superintendent Jonathan Swanson stands at a podium in a meeting room while OCDE Director Diane Ehrle holds an oversized check. Five educators stand nearby as the speaker addresses the group.

09/09/2026

OCDE’s Connected Leadership Conference returns Oct. 20, bringing together business services and human resources professionals from across Orange County for a free day of learning and collaboration.

The conference will feature keynote speakers John Gray of School Services of California and Megan Reilly of the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, along with breakout sessions focused on finance, HR, leadership and district operations.

Registration closes Sept. 28.

🔗 Learn more and register: https://newsroom.ocde.us/ocde-connected-leadership-conference-to-bring-district-professionals-together-oct-20/

09/09/2026

Twenty-five years ago, Dr. Stefan Bean was driving to work as a fifth-grade teacher when he first heard reports that a plane had struck the World Trade Center.

By the time he arrived at Starr King Elementary School in Long Beach, he faced a responsibility familiar to educators in moments of crisis: helping students understand something he was still trying to process himself.

In his latest column, the Orange County superintendent of schools reflects on Sept. 11, 2001, the sense of unity that followed and what educators can carry forward as they help students navigate uncertainty today.

Twenty-five years ago, I was driving to work when an ordinary morning suddenly became anything but ordinary. It was around 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2001. I was a fifth-grade teacher at Starr King Ele…

09/04/2026

After more than 32 years of service to the Orange County Department of Education and 36 years in public education, Deputy Superintendent Renee Hendrick is beginning a well-earned new chapter.

Renee began her OCDE career as a payroll supervisor and rose through the organization to serve as deputy superintendent, helping strengthen operations, develop leaders and cultivate partnerships that support students, schools and districts across Orange County.

Colleagues, friends and family gathered Sept. 3 to celebrate her career and the relationships she built along the way.

Congratulations, Renee, on an extraordinary career and best wishes in retirement.

Image descriptions:
No. 1: OCDE Deputy Superintendent Renee Hendrick stands in the Orange County Board of Education board room, reading from prepared remarks into a microphone during her retirement celebration. Flowers, balloons and photos from her career decorate the room.

No. 2: Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean speaks into a microphone while Renee Hendrick stands beside him during her retirement celebration. Guests and members of Hendrick’s family are gathered nearby.

No. 3: Colleagues and guests applaud during Renee Hendrick’s retirement celebration at OCDE. Colorful balloons and other decorations fill the room as attendees gather around tables.

09/04/2026

OCDE offices and school sites will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.

First celebrated in New York City in 1882, Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 when Congress designated the first Monday in September as a legal holiday.

Have a safe and restful Labor Day.

Image description: A Labor Day graphic reads, “September 7 — Labor Day” and “OCDE offices and schools will be closed.” Illustrations along the bottom depict workers from a variety of professions, including construction, culinary services, law enforcement, health care and business.

09/04/2026

High School Voter Education Weeks return Sept. 14-25, encouraging California students to learn about elections and civic engagement while giving eligible 16- and 17-year-olds an opportunity to preregister to vote.

Schools can also participate in the statewide California Student Mock Election on Oct. 6, providing students with hands-on experience with the voting process. Schools have until Sept. 30 to register.

High School Voter Education Weeks will take place Sept. 14 through Sept. 25, encouraging California students to learn about elections and eligible 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote. Schoo…

09/03/2026

All. Together. Now.

Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean is borrowing a familiar Beatles phrase as a shared call for the 2026-27 school year.

In his latest column, Dr. Bean breaks down what “All. Together. Now.” means for students, families, educators and school communities while reflecting on the challenges and opportunities ahead for public education.

There’s also a challenge for Beatles fans: Seven song titles are tucked into the column. Think you can spot them all?

Image description: Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean is pictured wearing a blue blazer and white shirt against a blue background featuring a subtle OCDE emblem. White text reads, “A note from Dr. Bean” and “Orange County Superintendent of Schools.” Gold and orange graphic accents appear along the bottom.

Four lads from Liverpool known as The Beatles wrote plenty of songs about love, possibility and the human experience. (And at least one about an octopus.) But there’s a title from their varied cata…