Message from Orange Unified

Upcoming Events

• March 25: VAPA Showcase - Honor Band and Orchestra
• March 26: VAPA Showcase - Visual Arts Gallery & Dance; Middle School Esports Championship

• March 28: End of 3rd Quarter - High School Minimum Day

• March 31 – April 4: Spring Break
• April 11: Closed Session Board of Education Meeting
• April 16: Board of Education Meeting

Dear OUSD Community,

I want to take a moment to update you on the progress of our superintendent search. The Board of Education has been actively working with Leadership Associates to ensure a thorough and thoughtful selection process.

On February 4, 2025, the Board held a Work Study Session to discuss key aspects of the search, including the process timeline, community and staff input opportunities, and the qualities we seek in our next superintendent. Additionally, the Board has scheduled extra meetings to review candidates and conduct interviews.

The search process is moving forward as planned. Paper screening of applicants took place on March 22, and interviews for selected candidates will be conducted off-campus during a Closed Session Board Meeting on April 11. Additional information is available on our website at www.orangeusd.org/superintendent-search.

I want to thank our Board of Education, staff, and community for their engagement and commitment to this important process. Your input and support are invaluable as we work to find the right leader for Orange Unified. I will continue to share updates as we reach key milestones in the search.

As we head into Spring Break, I hope you all take time to relax, recharge, and enjoy special moments with family and friends. Wishing our students, staff, and families a wonderful and refreshing break!

Sincerely,
Michael L. Christensen
Superintendent
Orange Unified School District

The Orange Unified School District is proud to recognize the Orange Police Department with the Community Partner Recognition Award for their invaluable contributions to our schools and students.

Through their involvement in school events, safety programs, and educational initiatives, the Orange Police Department has played a vital role in fostering a safe and supportive learning environment. Officers regularly engage with students, building meaningful relationships that promote trust, security, and a strong sense of community. Their presence on campuses and at district events not only enhances safety but also reinforces the importance of civic responsibility and collaboration.

"We greatly appreciate our partnership with the Orange Police Department and the positive impact it has on our school community," said Heriberto Angel, Executive Director of Student and Community Services. "Their dedication to the safety and well-being of our students is commendable, and we extend our sincere gratitude for their efforts."

The Community Partner Recognition Award will be formally presented at the April Board of Education meeting in appreciation of the Orange Police Department’s unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and families.

The Orange Unified School District is proud to recognize the Orange Chamber of Commerce with the Community Partner Recognition Award for its outstanding contributions to the students and school community of Orange.

As outlined in the OUSD EDGE Strategic Plan, the District is committed to building and maintaining strong partnerships with educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations. These collaborations strengthen our schools and create valuable opportunities for students.

The Orange Chamber of Commerce has been an invaluable partner, enhancing both curricular and extracurricular experiences for OUSD students. Dr. Kenneth Miller, who nominated the Chamber for this award, highlighted its many contributions, including:

• Partnering with OUSD to host Education Day for Leadership Orange candidates, providing insight into the local education landscape.
• Supporting students with exceptional needs by offering meaningful pre-vocational educational experiences through the Orange Unified Special Education department.
• Actively participating in the Orange Works! College and Career Fair and engaging in mock interviews to help students build essential career skills and confidence.

"We are grateful for the Chamber’s unwavering dedication and commitment to our students," said Dr. Miller. "Their support exemplifies OUSD’s core values of Integrity, Equity, Respect, and Excellence."

The Orange Chamber of Commerce will be formally recognized at the April 16, 2025, OUSD Board of Education meeting as part of the District’s Community Partner Recognition program.

We appreciate the Chamber’s continued partnership and were honored to join this morning’s Chamber of Commerce Meeting to celebrate this meaningful collaboration.

We are currently looking for a Parent-Teacher Organization Representative and Member at Large to join our Measure S Citizens' Oversight Committee and help ensure transparency, accountability, and meaningful progress!

As a member of a COC, you help ensure that public funds, especially those tied to bond measures or special programs, are used appropriately and as promised to voters.

Apply now at https://orangeunified.org/COC

Orange Unified School District is proud to celebrate the outstanding artistic achievements of our students who have been nominated for the Orange County Register’s 2025 High School Artist of the Year awards. These talented young artists represent the best in instrumental music, media arts, and fine arts, demonstrating exceptional creativity, leadership, and dedication to their craft. We are thrilled to recognize their hard work and celebrate their success.

Instrumental Music

Samuel Mendoza Rodriguez – See artist’s portfolio
"Samuel Rodriguez Mendoza represents the three most important values of our music program: leadership, musicianship, and responsibility." – Alexander Gellatly, Orange High School

Francis Samson
"Truly gifted, Francis is a quality French Horn player who performs with All State, SCSBOA, CBDA, and many more ensembles outside of school." – Edward Corbett, Villa Park High School

Media Arts

Kenya Cabeza – See artist’s portfolio
"She has an excellent grasp of the principles of art that shines through in her work." – Debbyie Jollienau, Orange High School

Mia Saenz
"She is a leader and an inspiration to her peers through her character and her work." – Sandy Manich, Canyon High School

Carter Diaz de Leon – See artist’s portfolio
"Carter is a Renaissance man who is interested in a broad range of subjects and uses that knowledge to inform his art." – Debbyie Jollineau, Orange High School

Sol Gallardo – See artist’s portfolio
"Marisol’s whimsical characters and storytelling are a hallmark of her art." – Debbyie Jollineau, Orange High School

Leah Ariana Hernandez – See artist’s portfolio
"Leah blends technology with a street art style to create designs and illustrations that are dynamic and bright." – Debbyie Jollineau, Orange High School

Lily McWilliams – See artist’s portfolio
"Her interests in theater, film, and comics inform her work in media arts, and vice versa." – Debbyie Jollineau, Orange High School

Osvaldo Nunez – See artist’s portfolio
"Kaylani’s anthropomorphic animal characters appear everywhere, and she works with a speed and dedication that surpasses most adult artists." – Debbyie Jollineau, Orange High School

Rowan Ontiveros – See artist’s portfolio
"Rowan’s love of character design can be seen in the fantastical hybridized characters they create and the stories they develop." – Debbyie Jollineau, Orange High School

William Villasaldo – See artist’s portfolio
"William’s willingness to explore diverse mediums and techniques showcases a remarkable versatility that sets him apart." – Whitney Foster, Orange High School

Fine Arts

Christina Bovitas
"Christina is consistently a top artist in drawing class. She is a leader at her table group and takes responsibility for helping students." – Sandy Manich, Canyon High School

Jade Diaz
"Jade’s art emerges from the landscapes of her imagination, where ideas and emotions take form." – Sandy Manich, Canyon High School

Elise Guerrero – See artist’s portfolio
"Elise is a leader and role model, and an inspiration to others through her character and her art." – Sandy Manich, Canyon High School

Samantha Guzman – See artist’s portfolio
"Samantha is a consistent top artist in our Drawing class at Canyon High School." – Sandy Manich, Canyon High School

Julian Hahn – See artist’s portfolio
"Julian’s goal with his art is to create spaces that are functional, beautiful, and personal." – Sandy Manich, Canyon High School

We are incredibly proud of all our nominees and the dedication they have shown to their artistic pursuits. Their passion, creativity, and leadership not only elevate their craft but also inspire their peers and the entire OUSD community. We congratulate each of them and look forward to seeing how they continue to shape the future of the arts!

At the Regular Board Meeting on March 12, 2025, the Board of Education approved Resolution No. 15-24-25, authorizing the District to submit a Surplus Property Waiver Application to the State Board of Education for the property located at 2190 North Canal Street, Orange, CA. The resolution also exempts the property from the Surplus Land Act, enabling the District to explore alternative uses for the property in the future.

The 20-acre site, formerly home to Peralta Junior High School, has not been used for educational purposes for an extended period. In 2008, the Asset Management Advisory Committee evaluated the property and recommended that it be designated as surplus. Since then, the Board has taken steps to assess potential lease or sale opportunities, with previous waiver approvals granted in 2011 and 2020. However, the 2020 waiver has since expired, necessitating a new application.

With the approval of this resolution, OUSD can now submit a waiver request to pursue alternative disposition options, including issuing Requests for Qualifications/Proposals (RFQ/Ps) or directly negotiating with potential buyers or lessees. This process offers flexibility in determining the optimal use of the property while ensuring compliance with state regulations.

For more details, you can review the full Board Resolution No. 15-24-25 at https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/orangeusd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DEB3PJ07D70B

Are you interested in a profession that makes a positive impact on the community? If so, please visit our website at www.orangeusd.org/jobs to view a vast array of employment opportunities that span from entry-level to upper management, classified and certificated. Join the Orange Unified family and Inspire our learners of today to be purposeful leaders of tomorrow.

Email: communications@orangeusd.org
Website: www.orangeusd.org
Location: 1401 North Handy Street, Orange, CA, USA
Phone: 714-628-4000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrangeUnifiedSchoolDistrictCA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orangeusd
Twitter: @orangeunifiedCA

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OUSD

We invite you to take a moment to follow Orange Unified on social media to receive the District’s latest news and announcements. Social media may also be a critical line of communication during emergencies and will be an excellent place for you to get up to date information.