Hansen began serving as interim superintendent in September 2017 and was appointed full superintendent in December 2017. 200 E. King Street. The OC Board of Education filed two lawsuits against the elected OC Superintendent of Schools. Some Florida teachers, in the face of a potential felony charge, have gotten rid of their classroom libraries altogether. There's so many things. But that gender identity question has culminated in a simmering debate about what is appropriate to teach in classrooms that finally boiled over Tuesday between disgruntled parents and the Los Alamitos Unified School Board at a school board meeting. ", Aguilar added that parents are pushing for a recall because they feel that adult teachers should not be discussing sexuality with their minor children without consent or cause.. As the fourth largest district in the state, it is home to 202 schools and 206,058 students. Orange County Public Schools Nov 2018 - Present4 years 6 months United States The board is responsible for setting policy and meeting requirements set by the Florida Legislature and State. A woman receives a COVID-19 vaccine shot at the Disneyland lot in Anaheim. Power Authoritys CEO ousted as board addresses transparency issues, Anaheim Transportation Network powers up a new electric fleet, High fidelity: Audiophiles celebrate the joy of music on Record Store Day, Clothesline Project hangs sexual violence out to dry, Chicas Tacos builds a better (and unconventional) taco, Longtime ambassador at Five Crowns restaurant gets help from his community, Encore: Summer concerts and Sunset Cinema return to OC Parks. That month, the countys health officer, Dr. Nichole Quick, resigned after residents vehemently challenged her mask mandate, leading to at least one death threat. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG), The public and invited guests pack the Orange County Board of Education for a town hall meetings to discuss ethnic studies and critical race theory in Costa Mesa on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. The Board of Education can be reached by calling (714) 628-4487. Students between classes at Costa Mesa High School in November. Some of the terms and procedures the new rules require are vague, or not clearly defined. Stop the reckless waste of tax dollars, over $5 million and counting, and stand up to career politicians. 12010 | [email protected]. OCPS committee to draw new School Board district lines New group clashes with O.C. Board of Education over ethnic studies 919-732-8126 Phone. Trustee Area 2*, Angie Rumsey Please send your comments to the Board of Education at: 1401 North Handy Street, Orange, CA 92867, Orange Unified EDGE - Strategic Plan 2019-2025. Orange County Public Schools - School Board Watchlist All the latest on Orange County from Orange County. A personal message from former Laguna Beach Unified School District Superintendent Sherine Smith, emphasizing the importance of outstanding public schools for our kids, parents, and communities. Superintendent, Huntington Beach City School District, Dr. Chuck Hinman (ret.) I'm not happy with the forced indoctrination of gender fluidity that is happening at the middle school.". Superintendent, Cypress School District, Dr. George Giokaris (ret.) Instead, we are forced to navigate through these recent laws and their negative impact on our students education and our teachers ability to do their jobs., This letter from State Attorney Monique Worrell to Gov. Though there were about a dozen supporters of the recall, opponents of the recall seemed to have outnumbered them by a count of three to one. Is he privileged because hes half-white? Paul took exception to a young student who spoke up earlier in support of the LBGTQ community. Dr. Clayton Chau, then the countys acting public health officer, dropped Quicks mandate because no statewide order existed, a decision that was believed to be a factor in the countys surge in cases. Orange Co. school board members re-elected; two face run-off - News 13 A native of South Florida, Jacobs graduated cum laude from Florida State University with a degree in Economics and enjoyed a nine-year . Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. Florida Republicans focus on school board races to bolster Ron DeSantis Trustee Area 7*, John Ortega (But) its none of those things, said Sapna Chopra, a parent from the Orange Unified School District. She deferred the cost question to the Los Alamitos school district. Enter your address to get a personalized list of candidates and ballot measures, including biographies, top priorities, who supports each candidate, and more. Learn More. In Orange County, a number of districts offer ethnic studies or are considering doing so. Instead, they stacked the panel with political partisans to create a white paper and then pretended it was the product of a serious, robust discussion. A proposal to finalize Orange County Board of Education seats in the November general election, not a primary election, soon could be taken up by the California legislature. The Board has as its secretary and executive officer the County Superintendent of Schools, who is elected by the people every four years. I dont know what my kids are going to be told when they walk into school as my 6-year old is about to enter first grade, Abraham said. Trustee Areas Irvine Unified School District is also enforcing masking indoors, while offering virtual alternatives to meet student needs. Allowing a diversity of books on school shelves isnt forcing children to adopt any sexuality or racial identity, she added, despite claims of indoctrination in schools from so-called parental rights advocates. Board members are elected for a four-year term by the electors of the trustee area which they represent. The Board stands side-by-side with Orange County residents against mandatory vaccinations, particularly of school-age children, the boards statement reads. For most screenreaders, you can hit Return or Enter to enter a tab and read the content within. Board President Many speakers have also mentioned that the county should not mandate vaccines for children or adults. Dr. Rebecca Romo, a clinical psychologist who lives in the district, refuted a recall website calling the teacher's pronoun incident and a similar incident when a teacher asked students about their sexual identity at another middle school as grooming kids for sexual activity. The Los Alamitos school board is not alone. Laura Byram Hilary Holladay It was raise day at the Orange. Classroom and library materials, interpreted as anything made available to a child in the school according to OCPS deputy general counsel John Palmerini, cannot be pornographic, harmful to minors, or obscene the latter two of which are defined the same legally, Palmerini told the school board. The school system is not responsible for the contents of any linked site, any link contained in a linked site, or any changes or updates to such sites. Capistrano Unified School District, for example, said it is still reviewing state guidance and working out plans ahead of the Aug. 17 start date. Get In Touch. At Newport-Mesa Unified District, the current policy is similar: Indoor masking will be required, and any issue that arises will prompt a discussion with the student and parent. Orange County Commissioners discuss tax appeal bias, opioid crisis relief funding ; Orange County Schools Board of Education approves 2024 fiscal year budget This idea of mandating vaccines is ridiculous to me because honestly this is medical freedom, said a woman named Jenna the board asks public speakers to only give a first name. DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARDS--APPORTIONMENT OF BOARD MEMBER RESIDENCE AREAS. According to the Associated Press, there are more than 30 school board recall efforts nationwide. Adding gender pronouns to names on social media profiles and even email signatures have gained traction in recent years as a way for people to respect their preferred gender identity and create an inclusive atmosphere. He previously covered Huntington Beach for the Daily Pilot. The Orange County Schools Board of Education includes seven members who serve four-year terms. Board Clerk Challenge Coin Recipients Represent the OUSD EDGE! To: Andrew B. Thomas, Attorney for Orange County School Board, Orlando. Are they Bi? She should resign. Board Member (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG), Sapna Chopra, a parent in the Orange Unified School District, speaks during a press conference by Truth in Education in Newport Beach, CA, on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. The current Board majority has deliberately misled the public and created controversy to undermine our schools. Board member Beckie Gomez had departed before the vote. Last August, the Orange County board sued Newsom to reopen schools that had been closed because of COVID-19. Schools and caregivers have the opportunity to look at whether or not a child has immunizations, its already in place, its been in place for a number of years, Gomez said. Home - Orange County Board of Education Cutuli and Fayette did not return a Spectrum News request for comment as of press time. Trustee Area 6*, Andrea Yamasaki And I'm not happy. Orange County Public Schools is located in Orlando, Florida. The Orange County Board of Education provides educational opportunities for Orange County students, promotes student achievement, and offers leadership, services, and resources for Orange County school districts, educators, and the community. Forehan, the trustee for the district's Area 2, explained that he always acts in the best interest of the students, staff and community. I dont think that anybody here today would deny that racism sadly continues to play a role in our society, board member Lisa Sparks said during the press conference. Thank you to the rest of the @OCPSnews Board members who defended our LGBTQ+ and BIPOC students to this bigot. The Orange County Schools Board of Education includes seven members who serve four-year terms. Last year, protests erupted when the board considered and later approved an optional ethnic studies curriculum for the high school and social justice teaching standards for district teachers. At least two districts, Santa Ana Unified and Anaheim Union High, have decided to make ethnic studies a requirement for high school graduation, something California legislators also are considering as a statewide mandate. ), At Willie Nelson 90, country, rock and rap stars pay tribute, but Willie and Trigger steal the show, Plaschke: Lakers live up to their legacy with a close-out win for the ages, Most of Yosemite Valley is closed due to potentially perilous snowpack and flooding, The Great Big Highly Specific Guide to Disneyland, Mom influencer who said Latino couple tried to kidnap her kids convicted of false report, Cooler weather to bring rare May rain, snow into Southern California, Three women, one man die in Mojave mobile home shooting, What was behind the protest against an archaeologist at last weeks L.A. Times Book Festival, Column: If not cops or guns, what will it take to make us feel safe? Fax. Or is he a victim because hes half Persian and a minority?. on Thank candidate for sharing their information on Voter's Edge. The Orange County board did not present any data that showed adverse effects of masking on children, or acknowledge public health studies that have shown masking reduces the spread of the virus. Ron DeSantis' controversial education policies. gender identity and create an inclusive atmosphere, Los Alamitos duo Nelson and Lemon share special bond a decade in the making, Parents sue over mask mandates in schools as COVID cases rise again, Orange County school boards grapple with state's student mask mandate, In Orange County, high school ethnic studies courses get heated, confrontational, California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, A teacher's pronoun question to his students has sparked furor in Los Alamitos Unified, Some disgruntled parents are banding together to recall members of the Los Alamitos Unified school board, Board meetings have become a political battleground, where intense debates rage on about student mask mandates, ethnic studies and other issues, If recall proponents gather enough signatures, a school board recall election could happen next year, but the district will shoulder the cost. I really thought long and hard about it. Board of Education - Orange Unified School District What are the most critical issues for your trustee area and how do you propose to address them? We have to be inclusive. With your support, we can reach and inform more voters. School board votes itself a raise; extends and increases superintendent Jacobs said that anyone who believes LGBTQ students are being prioritized above others probably isnt aware that queer and trans youth are at a four times higher risk of suicide. Board member Williams concurred, adding that the opinion of residents was key to the decision. Board members, who are elected to four-year terms, approve charter schools and hear interdistrict . Health Care Agency Director Clayton Chau has repeatedly said that children need parental consent to get a vaccine, and the county is not issuing a vaccine passport.. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG), Rabbi Stephen Einstein speaks during a press conference by Truth in Education in Newport Beach, CA, on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. The goal: Win command of more of Florida's 67 school districts and unseat board members who dissent from Gov. They ignored almost four thousand community comments in support of masks and social distancing and received four that supported their position. School board chair and former Orange County mayor Teresa Jacobs, in discussion afterwards, agreed with the sentiment shared by McCracken, and said the board should in the future discuss what they can do to ensure kids have access to books that reflect their diverse experiences and identities. Outside, two police cruisers parked in the parking lot. "We're making it so difficult to have those aspirational and inspirational leaders in our classrooms," Pam Gould with the Orange County School Board said. Orange County School Board considers suing social media giants. News reporter for Orlando Weekly, covering general news, local government, labor, housing, and other social and economic justice issues. While children have largely escaped coronavirus infections, its still possible for a child to contract and spread the virus. Advisory Legal Opinion - AGO 80-26. Instead, they have undermined faith in our school communities by intentionally misleading the public. The District 3 and. Apr 23. Ethnic studies is the interdisciplinary study of race and ethnicity, which includes the often-overlooked history and contributions of Blacks, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans. The protection of children has been at the forefront of Republican lawmakers minds this legislative session (or so they say) with the introduction of a slew of anti-LGBTQ bills targeting gender-affirming healthcare, drag performances, and classroom discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation. Ron DeSantis is the spiciest thing youll see on the internet today, We thought we got rid of these: Proposed Taintsville dog kennel resembles puppy mill. She was part of the team that was a 2020 Pulitzer Prize finalist for coverage of a dive-boat fire off the Santa Barbara coast. The very policy necessitating their workshop on Tuesday is a "Trojan horse" she said, "to get rid of books of students of color of LGBTQ youth and of religious minorities.". Aug. 4, 2021 11:46 AM PT. The Orange Unified School District Board of Education welcomes your input. Shalby grew up in Southern California and graduated from George Washington University. Across the country, conservative parents and political groups have organized and protested at their local school boards over the same issues: mask mandates, returning to campus, and curriculum on ethnic and cultural books and studies. Principal, Tesoro High School, Deni Christensen (ret.) Florida Republicans pass anti-union bill, reject Democrats attempts to soften its blow, Grills Seafood owner says Bud Light partnering with trans person has brought us into hell on Earth, Florida Republicans vote to lower gun-buying age, scrapping change made after Parkland shooting, Florida House agrees to boost funding for Visit Florida's tourism-marketing efforts, By Jim Turner, the News Service of Florida, Floria education officials target Leon County superintendent for opposing Gov. Many in our community feel that, you know, we can lets look at the children as a whole, and let's focus on their character development, not necessarily what sexuality they have, or maybe religion they have or, you know, where they maybe originated from.. OCDE - About the Board During the Oct. 26, 2021, School Board meeting, a member of the public, Jacob Engels, began reading from a book called "Gender Queer: A Memoir." The book, found in an Orange County Public Schools high school library, is a graphic novel that contains detailed and graphic depictions of sex acts. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. My school and my community were unsafe places for me, and although there were physical assaults, too, the daily, hidden but pervasive attacks were much worse, telling me I was alone in this world, that who I was and what I felt was abnormal that I didn't belong. Beginning January 1, members of the Orange County School Board will earn half of what the Orange County supervisors make. They also said they will emphasize the importance of teaching ethnic studies, not just in Orange County but nationwide. Orange County School Board considers suing social media giants ", Demonstrators hold up signs during a Los Alamitos Unified School Board meeting in Los Alamitos, Calif. on Tuesday. School districts can adopt Californias curriculum, tweak it the way they want, or ignore it altogether. Please try a new search. New group clashes with O.C. Board of Education. One student credited the teacher for helping her improve her grades in science. Superintendent, Fullerton Joint Union High School District, Dr. Greg Franklin (ret.) From among its members, the Board elects a president and a vice president. Board meetings have become a political battleground, where intense debates rage on about student mask mandates, ethnic studies and other issues. AAP has previously said that universal masking is key to reducing transmission largely because a significant number of students are not yet eligible for a vaccine. Published - October 4, 2021. Web: www.ocbe.us, Orange County Board of Education responsibilities include:. The candidates differ in their vision for the priorities for an Orange County Board of Education member. The Board of Education can be reached by calling (714) 628-4487. The bottom line - No matter who wins in court, taxpayers lose. Board Member But shortly afterward, Chau said he spoke directly to state officials urging them to issue a statewide order. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG), Mari Barke, center, president of the Orange County Board of Education speaks at a press conference prior to a forum about about ethnic studies and critical race theory at the Orange County Board of Education in Costa Mesa on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. The board voted 4-1 in favor of each, with the only dissenting votes coming from board member Rebecca Gomez, who serves Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, portions of Garden Grove and portions of Tustin. PUBLISHED: July 27, 2021 at 8:25 p.m. | UPDATED: July 28, 2021 at 4:06 p.m. On the same day that more than 200 residents met for an Orange County Board of Education forum on ethnic studies, a new . In a 4-0 closed-session vote, the board approved a legal challenge that targets the governors emergency rule-making powers, which includes the recent school mask mandate issued as California schools are fully reopening for in-person learning against a troubling coronavirus uptick fueled by the highly contagious Delta variant. However, he is concerned that any vaccine passport needs to be handled with care because it will have sensitive medical information and can be a target for hackers. However, some district parents said it's inappropriate for young kids to learn about gender identity at middle school. That could be due to concerns over the Delta variant or perhaps mask policies, though there has not been much mask pushback. At the Board of Education meeting, several members of the public echoed the anti-passport sentiments shared at the Supervisors meetings. I think this district has done a good job of making sure that kids all feel included, Farrant said. NEW POLITICAL BOUNDARIES The Orange County School Board unanimously voted Dec. 14 on Proposal 16, which sets the new boundaries for each of the seven School Board members' districts. The OC Board majority held a forum on ethnic studies and used it to spread misinformation and push their political agenda. "This type of respectful question does not groom students or attempt to convert them, but demonstrates to them that they are respected and that they have an ally.". Citing parental rights, O.C. Board of Education weighs in against (Gina Ferazzi . The school board is responsible for shouldering the cost of a recall election. Board of Education doesn't determine much of anything for Orange County schools. I personally was the one who talked to the state about having it as a mandate, Chau said last August. "The CRT (critical race theory), everything has gone so woke and so left that I can't take it anymore," she told Spectrum News. Subject: Reapportioning school district. When it comes to the vaccine passport, Noymer said the analogies to the Nazis is over the top. Orange County school board member Alicia Farrant claimed the district The mostly right-wing board has stirred controversy, especially during the pandemic. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG), The Orange County Board of Education, left, panel members and the pubic listen to a speaker during public comments at a town hall meeting to discuss ethnic studies and critical race theory in Costa Mesa on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. "The Orange County Board of Education provides educational opportunities for Orange County students, promotes student achievement, and offers leadership, services, and resources for Orange County school districts, educators, and the community." Meet the Board Meet the five members of the Orange County Board of Education. FORECAST: Three OCPS schools under construction for 2022 Marlys Davidson, president of the board, also did not return an email seeking comment. The school system retains control over what links will be placed on system-related websites; however, the linked sites themselves are not under the control of the school system, its agents, or its employees. Board President Mari Barke apologized Tuesday evening to the other invited speakers of the forum, who she said were slandered by Montao. Romo added that the teachers are trying to be inclusive and provide a safe space for marginalized groups in the community. Both have been labeled problematic by the DeSantis administration, which has welcomed the support of groups like Moms for Liberty that have galvanized a wave of book banning across the U.S. Floridas new policy governing what materials can and cannot remain in schools has consumed hours upon hours of school boards time, including in Orange County. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG), The Orange County Board of Education, left, listens to a speaker during public comments at a town hall meeting to discuss ethnic studies and critical race theory in Costa Mesa on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Any individual desiring to address the Board is asked to complete a request form which may be obtained from the Recording Secretary. Orange Unified School District, California - Ballotpedia Orange County School District / Homepage Members of Truth in Education on Tuesday said their group was formed to counter the Orange County school boards opposition to ethnic studies and critical race theory. That I am a bigot, that Im a hater., She added, When parents are coming in, they're frustrated and asking for a higher standard, it is not to marginalize children, or to, you know, make certain children feel like they're not good enough. We weren't able to find anything that matched your search criteria. Critical race theory is a decades-old academic concept typically taught at the college level that looks at race as a social construct and racism as something that is embedded in governmental institutions and policy.