News Update

Superintendent fired from Orange Unified finds new job in nearby district

Gunn Marie Hansen, whom Orange Unified fired in January because she allegedly focused “too much on social politics,” starts next month as the new superintendent of nearby Westminster Unified, the Orange County Register reported.

Hansen begins work April 1. She will earn $335,000 annually.

“(Westminster) is quickly becoming a destination district in Orange County sought by discerning parents, staff and teachers, school board president David Johnson said. “Now we will also boast one of the best Superintendents in the entire state and she is in alignment with our goals for excellence. … We are so fortunate to have (her) take the lead at WSD.”

The Orange Unified board fired Hansen Jan. 5, with no explanation. Later, board president Rick Ledesma said that under Hansen, the district was “focusing too much on the social politics of education” and the board planned to revisit policies related to sex education, student equity and ethnic studies.