Orange County Department of Education

September 1, 2022

Thousands without childhood vaccinations unable to return to school

Families fell behind on wellness checkups during the pandemic, others became vaccine hesitant and still others had vaccine fatigue. The result has been a decline in childhood vaccinations and more students who can't attend school on campuses.

Diana Lambert

June 8, 2021

Orange County schools join with Children’s Hospital to address student mental health needs

'Well spaces' and streamlined data systems are meant to broaden students' access to mental health services and will help as campuses reopen.

Carolyn Jones

August 31, 2020

Color purple will determine whether California schools can open for in-class instruction

New system creates confusion as some counties that were no longer on state monitoring list find themselves effectively back on with most restrictive purple rating.

Louis Freedberg

August 19, 2020

Carl Cohn Podcast: Orange County schools caught in the middle of coronavirus politics

Carl Cohn talks with Orange County Department of Education superintendent Al Mijares about the unique challenges facing the district as fall approaches.

EdSource staff

April 6, 2020

During coronavirus epidemic, let’s reimagine what’s possible for our students

Distance learning can no longer be seen as a tool that supports the instructional program, it must drive it.

Al Mijares

July 12, 2019

New charter schools to open this fall despite efforts to curb growth

Four charter schools will open after each was initially denied by its local school board, forcing the schools to turn to county boards.

Michael Burke

September 13, 2018

Most districts complying with California’s sex ed law, but resistance remains

The vast majority of large urban districts statewide have implemented the 2015 California Healthy Youth Act. Yet uproar over the landmark law has garnered headlines in a few places, most notably Orange County.

David Washburn

July 25, 2018

Improving California school environments focus of pilot program

UCLA and two county education departments are collaborating to train teachers and administrators throughout the state on alternatives to traditional discipline.

David Washburn

September 13, 2017

New system of support contributes to student success

Multi-tiered system of support helps educators solve problems before they become problems.

Al Mijares

June 6, 2016

County superintendents speak out on making accountability work

Michael Collier