The surge in cases has prompted Los Angeles and Bay Area counties to mandate indoor masking, regardless of vaccination status. 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 . Fax. When it comes to the vaccine passport, Noymer said the analogies to the Nazis is over the top. The district is made upof residents in Seal Beach, Rossmoor, Los Alamitos and parts of Cypress. Starting last year, voters selected a trustee to represent their area for the school board. "He wanted his students to know that they are in a safe space," said a student who did not want to be named. Gomez was the only board member wearing a mask during the meeting. McCracken, preside of the Orange County teachers union, said on Tuesday its a shame the school board has to spend all of this time updating policies as a result of unnecessary culture wars created by DeSantis and Florida lawmakers. Agendas and summaries of the Board action may be obtained via the Internet at www.ocde.us or by contacting the Recording Secretary at the Orange County Department of Education, 200 Kalmus Drive, P.O. As I have done throughout my career in education, kids come first and will remain my focus.". DeSantis wont have to resign to run for president. After serving the three board members with the recall notice, the group will now go through the formal recall process with the Orange County Registrar of Voters. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Orange County and other California sites to close mass COVID-19 vaccination centers, Pen mightier than the tweet at Great American Write-In, Heritage Hill Historical Park to host Rancho Days Fiesta, O.C. 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. 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 CRT (critical race theory), everything has gone so woke and so left that I can't take it anymore," she told Spectrum News. 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LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. In the first week of school, a teacher at Oak Middle School greeted his students and sent out a survey asking them their preferred pronouns during class. Orange County Public Schools is located in Orlando, Florida. Last year, the board went from an at-large election system where anyone in the district can run for a seat to five trustee voting areas. Trustee Area 1*, Ana Page The board is an advisory body and does not have the authority to implement rules over the countys school districts, It doesnt matter what a school district wants it matters what parents want, Williams said. #2 - Stop Reckless Spending of Tax Dollars. Board Member (This does not include ad hoc committee meetings. O.C. 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. "There are no grooming behaviors represented of the teachers cited on the yes on recall website," she said. For the past year and a half, the five-member board has heard raging debates from parents over safely reopening school campuses amid the coronavirus pandemic, the ethnic studies curriculum, which some have misconstrued as critical race theory, and current student mask requirement at schools. While children have largely escaped coronavirus infections, its still possible for a child to contract and spread the virus. The mostly right-wing board has stirred controversy, especially during the pandemic. "There are 25,000 teachers every. Site 113-H-W-4, located at 10393 Seidel Road in Horizon West, is now Horizon High School. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? NEW Board Policy Lookup Page . (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG), Chairs set up in at the Orange County Board of Education have the names of invited guests attending a town hall meeting to discuss ethnic studies and critical race theory at the Orange County Board of Education in Costa Mesa on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Marlys Davidson, president of the board, also did not return an email seeking comment. Board members disputed that there is a scientific basis for masking schoolchildren. Many speakers have also mentioned that the county should not mandate vaccines for children or adults. But shortly afterward, Chau said he spoke directly to state officials urging them to issue a statewide order. "To constantly bring it back to making sure that the LGBT community feels uplifted, I think this district has done, you know, gone above and beyond," she added. A school board member on the Orange County Board of Education North Carolina was caught on video harassing parents who were handing out information cards about issues in the district to parents in a carpool line. This week, we introduce the candidates for Orange County School Board chair. 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. "This assertion is false blatantly and empirically maligning two of our youngest and best and brightest teachers.". Not educrats, not administrators but constituents.. Schools are for inculcating facts and knowledge, and not advancing vaccination mandates for children who are at very little risk of the COVID-19 pathogen. School Board Services There are eight members that make up the Orange County School Board. Santa Ana was one of the regions hit hardest by COVID-19. The Board of Education can be reached by calling (714) 628-4487. Board member Beckie Gomez had departed before the vote. The Board stands side-by-side with Orange County residents against mandatory vaccinations, particularly of school-age children, the boards statement reads. "I look back since November and feel proud of all that we have accomplished, including reopening our schools with adherence to state requirements, increasing our wellness program counselors, and increasing our efforts to maintain our schools where each and every child feels safe and valued," said Forehan in an emailed statement to Spectrum News. Supporters of Californians state-mandated ethnic studies during a press conference by Truth in Education in Newport Beach, CA, on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Board of Education Members The Orange Unified School District Board of Education welcomes your input. Board meetings have become a political battleground, where intense debates rage on about student mask mandates, ethnic studies and other issues. on News reporter for Orlando Weekly, covering general news, local government, labor, housing, and other social and economic justice issues. Retaining books in school libraries that are accessible and which represent their experiences, she said, can be part of that. Superintendent West Covina Unified School District, Beverly Hempstead (ret.) (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. I personally was the one who talked to the state about having it as a mandate, Chau said last August. She has covered education, the pandemic, the vaccine rollout and breaking news throughout California. Board of Education doesn't determine much of anything for Orange County schools. 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. 3rd District Still, the cost of a possible recall election was a big concern for some parents who spoke out against the recall effort. 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. Members of the public may address the Board of Education regarding any agenda and/or off-agenda items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Board of Education provided that NO action may be taken on off-agenda items unless authorized by law. The school system provides links as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement of the site by the school system. Earlier this month, the statewide teachers union filed a petition alongside the Florida Freedom to Read Project and Families for Strong Public Schools, challenging new rules from the state Department of Education on this matter, which they characterize as part of a "censorship agenda" by the DeSantis administration. Gunn Marie Hansen was the superintendent of the Orange Unified School District from 2017 to 2023. The first two lawsuits were dismissed, but the November 2021 lawsuit is pending. Challenge Coin Recipients Represent the OUSD EDGE! Irvine Unified School District is also enforcing masking indoors, while offering virtual alternatives to meet student needs. (Spectrum News/Joseph Pimentel). pic.twitter.com/Y6V2fGW8Ox, Since day one, I've only been attacked, Farrant complained. Others have a strategy in place. Members establish educational goals and standards, approve curricula and the districts budget, approve various purchases and renovations, and appoint the superintendent of schools. Orange County has long pushed against COVID-19 restrictions throughout the pandemic, and residents opposition to face covering rules contributed to the implementation of the statewide mandate in June last year. Some say the teacher's pronoun survey was the final straw for a group of parents who live in or have kids studying at the Los Alamitos Unified School District. L.A. has a new answer. The school board voted to terminate her contract on January 5, 2023. If approved, SB-286 . For most screenreaders, you can hit Return or Enter to enter a tab and read the content within. Contact Your School Board Member OC Board of Education genuinely wanted to support schools, they could have helped the public understand the best way to open schools safely during the pandemic by allowing its experts to develop a program in collaboration with our local districts. Castor Dentel is a former OCPS teacher and legislator as well as daughter of Florida's former education commissioner, Betty Castor and Teresa Jacobs is the former Orange County mayor. ), To contact the members of the School Board, send an email to: ocsboardmembers@orange.k12.nc.us*. Farrant responded to her colleagues criticism defensively, and also later defended her use of the term "trans whatever" in reference to a theoretical transgender student during a January school board meeting. Board of Education. OCCTA president and art teacher Clinton McCracken speaks out against politically-motivated book bans in Orange County public schools. Some of the public wore yellow stars on their arms during the meetings, meant to symbolize the yellow stars of David that the Nazis forced Jewish people to wear during the Holocaust. Spotlight Schools conducted individual Zoom interviews with each of the candidates as well as exchanged emails. Use tab to activate the candidate button. Last August, the Orange County board sued Newsom to reopen schools that had been closed because of COVID-19. Books that do not portray their community in a way that is only sexual.". I'm not happy with the forced indoctrination of gender fluidity that is happening at the middle school.". It is not unreasonable to affirm that critical race theory is designed to convey hostile, divisive, race-obsessed, poisonous,elitist, non-inclusive ideas, Sparks said. Orange County Commissioners discuss tax appeal bias, opioid crisis relief funding ; Orange County Schools Board of Education approves 2024 fiscal year budget Dean of Communications, Chapman University. Board of Education over ethnic studies, Fossils are helping Chapman University students find new passions, Council set to vote on 380 apartments, new buildings to replace Brea Malls shuttered Sears wing, Youve got a blank canvas; now be creative and live fully alive, Status Update: Dutch Bros. drive-through coffee shop plots first OC locations, Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (April 20-27), More land sliding at Casa Romantica; residents evacuated, trains halted through San Clemente, Orange County Artist of the Year winners announced, Then and Now: Photos of Casa Romantica show damage caused by landside, Fire at Barnes & Noble in Orange disrupts book-signing event, OC Marine who volunteered in Ukraine, survived rocket attack: I would do it again, Cold, drizzly week ahead for Southern California, The DMV says permission to drive is based on ability, but older drivers are scrutinized more, A look at Orange Countys baseball teams and the CIF-SS playoffs, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. "And the fact that it is happening at that grade and lower is sexualizing our children in the classroom formally. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. We cannot be regressive. Barke stated they would pursue yet another lawsuit. "The parents are here to regain control over what is being enforced on and taught to their children," he added. Before the Aug. 23 primary, the Observer will be publishing Q&As featuring candidates in key races that will appear on ballots in West Orange and Southwest Orange. Some of the terms and procedures the new rules require are vague, or not clearly defined. Prepared by: John W. Williams, Assistant Attorney General. Byrd, an OCPS parent and a former teacher, decided it was time to bring her experience to the board. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG), Roselinn Lee, a teacher in the Santa Ana Unified School District, speaks during a press conference by Truth in Education in Newport Beach, CA, 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. Ethnic studies empowers students with the information they need to build a more inclusive democracy.. mminer@orangeusd.org (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG), Theresa Montano, a professor at Cal State Northridge, explains that she didnt want to participate in the Orange County Board of Educations forum on ethnic studies and critical race theory because, there are no other experts on the panel and she doesnt like that everyone else on the panel disagrees with her during a press conference by Truth in Education in Newport Beach, CA, on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Web: www.ocbe.us, Orange County Board of Education responsibilities include:. We have to be inclusive. It is to make sure that they have the best at their fingertips. She previously worked for PBS NewsHour and joined The Times in 2015. As Orange County wrestles with vaccine hesitancy, the countys Board of Education on Wednesday night approved a statement against mandatory vaccinations and a resolution against digital vaccine passports. School districts can adopt Californias curriculum, tweak it the way they want, or ignore it altogether. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s anti-vaccine organization, Childrens Health Defense, joined this lawsuit. The Los Alamitos school board is not alone. (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. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG), Lisa Sparks, center, trustee 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. We weren't able to find anything that matched your search criteria. 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. McKenna Schueler 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. DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARDS--APPORTIONMENT OF BOARD MEMBER RESIDENCE AREAS. Superintendent, Carlsbad Unified School District, Kathy Kessler (ret.) "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.". Approving the annual budget of the Orange County Department of Education, Receiving the annual audit of the Orange County Department of Education, Maintaining an awareness of the operations and financial conditions of the school districts in the county, Approving the purchase of property for department programs, Serving as Orange Countys appeal board for the adjudication of expulsion appeals and interdistrict attendance appeals, Representing Orange Countys education community and families at the local, county, state, and national level, Informing local communities about the programs and achievements of the Orange County Department of Education, Keep the county focused on learning and achievement for all students, Govern in a dignified and professional manner, treating everyone with civility and respect, Govern within board-adopted policies and procedures, Provide opportunities for input on a diverse range of views from the community to ensure informed board deliberations. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG). Teresa Jacobs became Chair of the Orange County School Board in November 2018. 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. The bottom line - No matter who wins in court, taxpayers lose. The California Department of Public Health said the lawsuit is a distraction from COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. 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. All are in the West Learning Community in Orange County School Board member Pam Gould's District 4. Superintendent, Santa Ana Unified School District, Dr. Fred Navarro (ret.) Ken L. Williams, Jr., D.O. A woman receives a COVID-19 vaccine shot at the Disneyland lot in Anaheim. Therefore the Orange County Board of Education declares its opposition to vaccine or health digital passports, mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations or any future legal use of digital documentation of health records, Williams read. The school system reserves the right to remove or restrict any links. Plan B COVID-19 Safety Processes & Protocols, 2021-2022 APPROVED SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLANS, Hillsborough Elementary School (Year Round). Romo added that the teachers are trying to be inclusive and provide a safe space for marginalized groups in the community. User Options. Any individual desiring to address the Board is asked to complete a request form which may be obtained from the Recording Secretary. Orange County will close mass vaccination sites at the Anaheim Convention Center, OC Fair & Event Center, Soka University and Santa Ana College. Orange County School Board members reluctantly approved a salary agreement on Tuesday they know many teachers oppose, saying they feared legal challenges if they didn't approve it but. Mari Barke, Orange County Board of Education, Area 2 Dr. Ken Williams, Orange County Board of Education, Area 3 Tim Shaw, Orange County Board of Education, Area 4 Dr. Lisa Sparks, Orange County Board of Education, Area 5 John Ortega, Orange Unified Board of Education, Area 2 Angie Schleuter-Rumsey, Orange Unified Board of Education, Area 6 Ron DeSantis' controversial education policies. Box 9050 Costa Mesa, CA 92628-9050 (714) 966-4000 Accessibility Resources Non-Discrimination Policy Website Publishing Policy Contact Us | Site Index OCDE.us uses cookies to collect and analyze information on site performance and usage. The Orange County Schools Board of Education includes seven members who serve four-year terms. We have a rich and wide variety of races and ethnicities in OC. They also said they will emphasize the importance of teaching ethnic studies, not just in Orange County but nationwide. "I am concerned about what they are teaching, about what's being dripped in the classroom with the racism, the CRT, the sexual stuff, everything. Californias COVID-19 prevention strategies are the best way to fully open our schools while protecting students and staff, and the states guidance fully aligns with the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, the department told The Times. Email Us. DeSantis, Controversial elections bill ensures Gov. Gomez said schools already have the ability to look at a registry for immunizations in California. "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. A personal commentary by former Laguna Beach Unified School District Superintendent Sherine Smith, explaining the four priorities she has for the OC Board of Education. But Farrant, who has a history of complaining about the presence of books with LGBTQ themes in schools, made a point of saying that indoctrination can go quite a few ways and that there are other children in the school district as well who deserve attention. In addition to compensation for meeting attendance, board members receive department paid benefits, which includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, at an annual cost of $17,970.84 to $26,957.76 (cost varies based on plan selection and number of dependents). California School Employees Association #224, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #441, Michael Villar Councilmember, Dana Point City Council, Bob Whalen Mayor Pro Tem, Laguna Beach City Council, Toni Iseman Councilmember, Laguna Beach City Council, Sergio Farias Councilmember, San Juan Capistrano City Council, Chris Duncan Mayor Pro Tem, San Clemente City Council, Tiffany Ackley Councilmember, Aliso Viejo City Council, Richard Hurt Mayor Pro Tem, Aliso Viejo City Council, Ross Chun Mayor, Aliso Viejo City Council, Cottie Petrie-Norris CA Assemblywoman, AD-74, Dr. Lorraine Prinsky Vice President, Coast Community College / Professor Emeritus CSUF, Candi Kern Trustee, Cypress School District, Kristin Erickson Vice President, Orange Unified School District, Suzie Swartz Trustee, Saddleback Valley Unified School District, Barbara Schulman Vice President, Saddleback Valley Unified School District, Kelly Osborne Clerk, Laguna Beach Unified School District, Carol Normandin President, Laguna Beach Unified School District, Dr. Bonnie Castrey Trustee, Huntington Beach Union High School District, Joanne Fawley Clerk, Fullerton Joint Union High School District, Dr. Vicki Calhoun Trustee, Fullerton Joint Union High School District, Amy Hanacek Trustee, Capistrano Unified School District, Krista Castellanos Vice President, Capistrano Unified School District, Beckie Gomez Orange County Board of Ed Member, Tom Ressler (ret.) School board districts are not analogous in any way with county commission districts. Laura Byram Hilary Holladay It was raise day at the Orange. Orange County School District Hillsborough, North Carolina Translate Language.