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​​​​5-3-1 Strategic Plan
OCDE's work is guided by the 5-3-1 Strategic Plan​. Built around five key initiatives, three district-focused objectives and one bold goal, ​the plan provides a roadmap 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

Laguna Beach Unified welcomes back Don Austin as superintendent

Laguna Beach Unified welcomes back Don Austin as superintendent

July 2 , 2026

Quick look: Dr. Don Austin officially began serving as superintendent of Laguna Beach Unified last week, returning to a district where he previously served as principal of Laguna Beach High School. Dr. Don Austin is back in Laguna Beach — this time as superintendent. The veteran educator officially began leading the Laguna Beach Unified School District this week, returning to a community where he previously served as principal of Laguna Beach High School — and where his three children attended […]

Weekly roundup: Three Orange County scholars bring home top honors at state civics bee, and more

Weekly roundup: Three Orange County scholars bring home top honors at state civics bee, and more

July 2 , 2026

Three Orange County middle school students earned the top three spots at the California National Civics Bee on June 27, displaying their civic knowledge and leadership initiatives at the statewide competition held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Logan Thielen of Falcon Academy in the Brea Olinda Unified School District captured first place and will represent California at the National Civics Bee Championship. Fellow BOUSD student Aryan Goya of Olinda Elementary School secured second place, while Deon Witte of Corona […]

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

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

July 1 , 2026

While most new California laws go into effect on Jan. 1, some receive delayed implementation dates to give agencies and organizations more time to prepare. That includes a handful of education laws taking effect today after school districts, county offices of education and charter schools spent months — and in some cases years — prepping for implementation. These new state laws are now in place, but many of their most visible impacts will be seen as California’s students return for […]

Schools have new tools to help Orange County students claim their CalKIDS scholarship funds

Schools have new tools to help Orange County students claim their CalKIDS scholarship funds

July 1 , 2026

Quick look: Thousands of Orange County high school students may have money they don’t know about in their CalKIDS scholarship accounts. New reporting tools are helping schools identify eligible students and connect families with available funds for college or career training. Thousands of Orange County students may have money available to help pay for college or career training — and schools now have new tools to help ensure those funds don’t go unclaimed. Established in 2022, the California Kids Investment […]