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​​​​5-3-1 Strategic Plan
OCDE has launched it's 5-3-1 Strategic Plan​, a forward-looking roadmap built on community input and colla​boration. Centered on five key initiatives, three district-focused objectives, and one bold goal, ​the plan outlines a shared vision for advancing educational excellence across the county.​
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Orange County Schools Directory​

OCDE has unveiled a searchable online directory of Orange County schools, complete with a services index to help connect you with the right department.​​

​Orange County Board of Education Meeting Agenda

Agendas for upcoming Orange County Board of Education meetings are posted at least 72 hours before each session.

County Committee on School District Organization Agenda

With members elected by local boards of education, the County Committee studies and makes recommendations related to the organization and reorganization of school districts, their boundaries, and their trustee elections.​

Public Notices

The following public notices are posted for informational purposes for Orange County community members.
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Supports and R​​esources​

OCDE is committed to connecting students, families and schools with services that promote academic success, wellness and strong communities. ​

California School Dashboard

This online platform provides an annual update on district and school performance, offering accessible data to help families, educators and communities understand how public schools are supporting students​.​

District Fiscal Assistance

OCDE provides fiscal oversight and guidance to Orange County’s 28 school districts, ensuring financial stability while supporting student success.

Professional Learning Opportunities​

OCDE supports student achievement through high-quality training opportunities for teachers, administrators and support staff.

Charter Schools​

Educational options in Orange County include high quality charter schools that emphasize rigorous academic standards, innovative programs and responsible business practices.
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​​​​​​County Offices of Education Explained

This​ brief video that explains what county ​​offices of education do and how they support school systems, students and families throughout the state.​​​​

OCDE Newsroom

ACSA Region 17 announces 2026 Orange County Administrators of the Year

ACSA Region 17 announces 2026 Orange County Administrators of the Year

February 25 , 2026

Quick look: ACSA Region 17 has named 20 Orange County educational leaders as 2026 Administrators of the Year. Honorees will be recognized May 11 at the Irvine Marriott Ballrooms, with three additional award recipients to be announced. The Association of California School Administrators has announced the 2026 Administrators of the Year for Region 17, which represents Orange County. Established in 1971, ACSA serves more than 17,000 California educators and annually recognizes outstanding administrators and education partners at the regional and […]

FutureCurrent: Integrating AI into educational leadership with former SAUSD Superintendent Jerry Almendarez

FutureCurrent: Integrating AI into educational leadership with former SAUSD Superintendent Jerry Almendarez

February 24 , 2026

Quick look: On the fourth episode of OCDE’s FutureCurrent podcast, former Santa Ana Unified Superintendent Jerry Almendarez discusses strategic foresight, innovation and preparing students for a changing world. The latest episode of FutureCurrent features County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean and educator Lainie Rowell in conversation with former Santa Ana Unified School District Superintendent Jerry Almendarez, as they discuss the shifting focus of leadership from reacting to problems to preparing for what’s ahead. Almendarez, who led the Santa Ana Unified School […]

Vanguard University and OCDE to host conference on threats facing youth

Vanguard University and OCDE to host conference on threats facing youth

February 23 , 2026

Quick look: Ensure Justice 2026, hosted by the Global Center for Women and Justice in partnership with OCDE, will take place March 6 at Vanguard University. The conference will bring families and educators together to address threats facing youth and strengthen prevention efforts across Orange County. Vanguard University and the Orange County Department of Education are teaming up to host a conference focused on the threats facing young people today — from labor trafficking and online grooming to gang involvement […]

Weekly roundup: SAUSD students put skills to work at Valley High Community Garage, and more

Weekly roundup: SAUSD students put skills to work at Valley High Community Garage, and more

February 20 , 2026

The event, held Jan. 31 at Valley’s automotive facility, brought together students from Valley and Santa Ana high schools to practice industry skills in a real-world setting while offering multi-point inspections, tire rotations, tire balances and oil changes at no cost.