[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6191733,"mediaKeyId","4439229-8d52c033ec74d3f7bdf07e88e0df0687","parentId",4439229,"title","Dozens of parents, students speak in support of Irvine International Academy as board and school leaders pledge to resolve complaints","audioSeconds",6521,"startMs",7119000,"endMs",13640000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=4439229-8d52c033ec74d3f7bdf07e88e0df0687&start=7119&end=13640","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4439229-8d52c033ec74d3f7bdf07e88e0df0687/thumbnail_7119000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6191733/California/Dozens-of-parents-students-speak-in-support-of-Irvine-International-Academy-as-board-and-school-leaders-pledge-to-resolve-complaints","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6191733-cb0a0583d9be0dd8822f3afb45f6dbaa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770524313&Signature=SRnDrYTKyEjkbMNiUvMKbF7vmu1y9TwFVS72abh3SunYiKqxb5OiJ8hLfB2MNPR35~171tot1dj48EBPvOlDqhOEBDVzKwpiGiwGWwNex6isyIYc3PjWINZdNsJ8vX3RuS3U2y7msLzQHuDGOE2fPmQq-twwxukE7yYRZUwkktgHnk5lveC8n55xDKzOVEvtpjLjCXDXyQ0KB~iAEuRodzA~YAQ5erhdhPZW36h2YqVQozoSl~p8vaM3z~0vSagJ7OJjFJnvXZZrxixntaFLUcHr9Zn0vQ5SWW9joJ7vhEpzubbjOYtTPDNR1D0kIjPEOk6GisD-uDvK8CZ0pTQFjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Orange County Department of Education","date","2025-06-19T02:30:22Z","article","Dozens of parents, staff and students addressed the Orange County Board of Education on concerns and support for Irvine International Academy, a charter school in Irvine, during the board's late-June public meeting.

The comments ranged from detailed praise for the school's academic and extracurricular programs to allegations of staff retaliation and requests for clearer communication. \"I have a son that just graduated eighth grade at IIA,\" said Arthur Sparks, a student who participated in IIA classes, speaking directly to parental concerns about a recently introduced health curriculum. \"The curriculum was focused on health, safety, boundaries, respect, and understanding, not ideology.\" Gail Sparks, a parent, told the board she had \"a positive experience\" at Irvine International Academy and that school communications gave parents repeated opportunities to review and opt out of sensitive material.

Why it matters: The board received extended public comment about the school's operations, including requests that the board not revoke or fail to renew the charter. Speakers described academic success, inclusion of students with special needs, Mandarin-English immersion outcomes, robust family engagement, and strong community events. At the same time, several parents and one speaker asked the board to investigate allegations they described as retaliation against parents who raised concerns.

Board members and OCDE staff described recent, separate administrative reviews and meetings with the school's executive leadership. \"We met because we wanted to have a greater understanding and insight administrative process and decision making,\" President Williams said during the meeting.

Dr. Stephen Bean, County Superintendent of Schools, and school leader Stephanie Henry (executive director at IIA) both spoke to the board. Dr. Bean thanked parents and staff for coming forward and described administrative steps taken after complaints were filed. Henry said the school was \"committed to resolving these issues, to hearing all voices,\" and thanked OCDE for its involvement. Brett Freeman, identified in the meeting as a school leader, told trustees he was \"feeling optimistic\" after a recent discussion and said the school would take concerns seriously while also celebrating successes.

The board repeatedly told commenters that rumors of a school closure were unfounded. \"The school is not gonna be closed. No one's talked about that,\" President Williams said when addressing the assembled parents and students.

Discussion, directions and next steps: Trustees and OCDE staff said they had met with IIA leadership and members of the IIA board in a prior, separate meeting to hear concerns and to encourage reconciliation. Trustee Barkey said the in-person conversations produced \"trust and a willingness to want to work together.\" Dr. Bean said administrative notices that had been sent to the school were part of required review processes under state education code and that notices of concern were not the same as notices of violation.

Speakers called on the district and the OCDE to continue investigating specific allegations, including teacher retaliation claimed by at least one parent. Some commentors asked for written findings or public updates; others urged the board to support the school and its new executive director. Trustees encouraged parents and staff to continue direct communications with the charter unit and to submit concerns in writing when appropriate.

Ending: After about 90 minutes of public comment, trustees thanked families, staff and students for speaking. School leaders and OCDE officials said they would continue to meet, and the board said it expected continued communications and follow-up through the department's charter and compliance processes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Orange County, CA Board of Education Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Dozens of parents, staff and students addressed the Orange County Board of Education on concerns and support for Irvine International Academy, a charter school in Irvine, during the board's late-June public meeting.","taxTitle","Orange County Department of Education, School Districts, California","taxId",73559,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6191727,"County board adopts dyslexia screening tool to meet state mandate for K-2 students",131,10574000,10705000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=4439229-8d52c033ec74d3f7bdf07e88e0df0687&start=10574&end=10705","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4439229-8d52c033ec74d3f7bdf07e88e0df0687/thumbnail_10574000.jpg","/articles/6191727/California/County-board-adopts-dyslexia-screening-tool-to-meet-state-mandate-for-K-2-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6191727-a9cd3253926ee8b2f569527470ab76ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1770524313&Signature=esgyy6KAHbVNy2eWvJJj6iJRGgaWmZU22ryh97QUlSqHR27xiYROiCBB0RnFG9nuRK~YO0vGWsx4k0KxLm8pZemP2LTzXxgl~PaUYNbSEu-9dc5Z6fd-87FHv5fYxh7JZdZmix6yTtRDGmUO6m~H0tbO7T71G7tcGq3HJWLBfj2hbOle~LqeIZZ6F9BS2rFFrxWhq~sreaSTFGN1hIs94Qgfnew9Iu0hgJDr3Detsro9U0pvJwDEoP1lTeGKVUbQFpiTXTTJ-5sY58KyINzW3LLs0dEOHCH8qth3ON9eoIaMpufuQUTAEJqJA7aiAO2PLcHwNO5h8zkEi1UVppE9mQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Orange County Board of Education approved the department's selection of a dyslexia screening tool for kindergarten through second grade students during its regular late-June meeting.

The item fulfills a state law requiring public education agencies to select and publicly report the screening instrument they will use for early identification of reading difficulties. \"The mandate required us to pick a screening tool that we would utilize with our students, and these are for kindergarten through grade 2,\" an OCDE administrator said. Staff told trustees they reviewed four options and selected the instrument most appropriate for both general education students and students with disabilities.

Why it matters: Early screening for reading difficulties, including dyslexia, aims to identify students who may benefit from early interventions. OCDE staff emphasized the selection process involved reading specialists and considered accessibility for OCDE's student populations. The board voted 4-0 to approve the screening tool.

Implementation: Staff said the screening is targeted at K-2 pupils; OCDE expects to make the tool available to districts and to use it where OCDE directly serves these grade levels. The department noted some students in special education already receive similar assessments as part of individualized educational planning.

Ending: Trustees asked for clarification about which early-childhood programs were covered; staff pointed to OCDE programs that support young children identified as deaf or hard of hearing and said early intervention services are part of existing family-support programs.
","The Orange County Board approved a state-mandated screening tool for early identification of reading difficulties including dyslexia, to be used for kindergarten through second grade students. Staff selected the assessment after consulting reading experts and said the tool is appropriate for both general and special education populations",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6191731,"Orange County Board creates temporary borrowing policy to give smaller districts and charter schools access to short-term loans",741,11860000,12601000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=4439229-8d52c033ec74d3f7bdf07e88e0df0687&start=11860&end=12601","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4439229-8d52c033ec74d3f7bdf07e88e0df0687/thumbnail_11860000.jpg","/articles/6191731/California/Orange-County-Board-creates-temporary-borrowing-policy-to-give-smaller-districts-and-charter-schools-access-to-short-term-loans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6191731-8ab50cd073bd2fffd6ae5daff7fcdcc8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770524313&Signature=N18wS2GWEGi9TePHoBiKwDzZf3i24~PInXSukTX2H4sGfPVqYV4pw7Ba6~K3DYmR93-rcVwKXoIGmfuPl8xbV-AaP9eYCfc0ap9xIK2yfPQUSHyZxm1Y-9MLkUPaPC46-rRVEr2d64knM~12Qy8xJLBYIGj1taBrU-rXGYUCPQ-EIIdZRwP4rSw38G5r~yv4ihrpNHFi4UBhwN8xP7Pkv~lOBRP-91DD1sMN6KB1xximnk3tsjeXyNfTJzzc7xfvKZ2atx1LNafR0pYHFEuHdWj8HSVgiQSNlynLyrcWyqXHBmL3OtzFc03E~DL5ULTqBQngBc7t2nsvNSDW6Utqqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Orange County Board of Education approved a temporary borrowing policy intended to provide short-term loans to local education agencies (LEAs) and charter schools that lack access to county treasurer lending programs.

Trustees described the policy as an equity measure to help charters and small LEAs bridge cash-flow gaps during times when apportionments are delayed. \"They get charged exorbitant rates for short term loans,\" said an OCDE staff member while describing charter-sector lending problems; the meeting referenced private lenders charging 18% to 25% for short-term borrowing. The new OCDE program ties interest to the rate earned by the county treasurer's investment pool plus a modest spread; staff estimated that rate at roughly 4.5% plus 0.1 percentage point at the time of the meeting.

Why it matters: Charter operators and smaller LEAs sometimes face cash-flow timing problems in the months before major apportionments arrive. Staff told trustees that charter operators have reported paying double-digit interest rates for temporary operating loans. Trustees argued a county-administered option at a lower cost would level the playing field.

Key features discussed: The policy creates a short-term loan facility capped at $500,000 per borrowing LEA at any one time, with loan term parameters aligned to the statutory temporary borrowing provisions in the California Education Code. Loans must be vetted by OCDE financial staff and the charter unit, and repayment is expected through intercept of apportionment funds when available. The department proposed an initial funding cap drawn from a designated special reserve (Fund 17) with a starting pool indicated in board materials.

Board discussion and vote: Trustees praised the collaborative drafting process with charter representatives and county staff. The board passed the policy 4-0. Deputy Superintendent Renee Hendrick and finance staff described a two-step vetting process: the charter financial unit would perform an initial credit and eligibility review and OCDE's central financial team would confirm data and handle transfers.

Implementation and safeguards: OCDE said it would limit loans to entities that demonstrate repayment ability and that the fund size and eligibility criteria were set to avoid depleting department reserves. The policy includes reporting and board oversight provisions; staff said they would present program guidance and an application process to prospective borrowers. Trustees and staff said OCDE intends to begin accepting and vetting requests once administrative materials are available.

Ending: The board framed the program as a pilot to meet short-term liquidity needs for eligible LEAs and charter schools, with OCDE retaining discretion to vet and deny applications that pose undue risk.","The board approved a temporary borrowing policy and a county-administered bridge loan program intended to give small local education agencies and charter schools access to lower-cost short-term loans and reduce reliance on high-interest private lending",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6191732,"Orange County Board approves ethnic studies curriculum for high school students; course to be shared statewide",1115,10720000,11835000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=4439229-8d52c033ec74d3f7bdf07e88e0df0687&start=10720&end=11835","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4439229-8d52c033ec74d3f7bdf07e88e0df0687/thumbnail_10720000.jpg","/articles/6191732/California/Orange-County-Board-approves-ethnic-studies-curriculum-for-high-school-students-course-to-be-shared-statewide","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6191732-4016d6034e9c4c309f4135621e92b2d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770524313&Signature=WHkeFenpF~gAQ9oUxcyNGb3mrhbuDUjo6mF9PD2LOgyXbix5PZdeIaGtNxSSGT~MMLuuTpRvCqTOgYfbA~T1OHpMnE67yd1PNORtsWqDWkveXucwuO7YbsVOt3vkoDup1IKgItucY-ectYoQUWVux9~MMihhHmlp-ZR3dlSA3gYfS73S~6Vau3bg~gynXzP4OF8Zxxjj0c073EcVff7gOlo2stnQTv-dvJ73DFLYh7Zxnp1WpGoTEqsdz1keqnm2IyVrrBtBveBKRmEp5Praz~4OPGGtzJebd-AMjaLrNza9XwPpZwVB-mNQPe96bZ5WMJPn6UQ1pOxT7WpQ~jaLbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Orange County Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt an ethnic studies curriculum designed for grades 9 through 12, the board announced at its late-June meeting.

The course, developed by a cross-disciplinary writing team from OCDE's Access programs and other county educators, is a five-credit, semester-long course organized into five themes. \"Our mission is to develop an ethnic studies curriculum that celebrates cultural connections, cultivates empathy, and maintains a balanced and unifying perspective,\" said Jonathan Swanson, OCDE executive director for curriculum, instruction and academic enrichment, during the presentation.

Why it matters: The board asked OCDE staff to produce an ethnic studies offering after state law prompted districts to clarify elective options. OCDE staff said the draft was revised repeatedly through community focus groups, public workshops, a 30-day public review and multiple board workshops. The final draft, staff said, was revised to comply with applicable state requirements (the team cited AB 101 compliance during the presentation) and to make the course accessible to students in OCDE's alternative and juvenile court school programs.

Creation and review: The curriculum team said it included teachers and administrators from Access programs, juvenile court schools, day school programs and contract learning programs and intentionally incorporated public feedback. \"Each stage of this writing team carefully evaluated and the feedback received both from the public participants and our board members, and it was used to guide improvements,\" Swanson said.

Implementation plans: OCDE staff said the curriculum will be posted on UC Doorways so other districts may review and adopt the material. The department also plans to build an online version through a learning management system and to develop teacher preparation and pilot opportunities in 2025-26. \"My goal is to get it into the hands of the students because that's how I get my students involved in this process,\" said Trish Walsh, senior administrator of the humanities team.

Board action and comments: Trustees praised the writing team and staff for the transparent process and the curriculum's emphasis on critical thinking and student engagement. Trustee Williams called the finished draft \"centered in the middle\" and noted the staff had incorporated outside critiques into revisions. The motion to approve passed 4-0.

Ending: OCDE officials said the county will support teacher preparation and pilot implementation next school year and make the final curriculum available as a free resource on UC Doorways for districts to adopt.","The Orange County Department of Education board approved a semester-long ethnic studies course for grades 9-12 after a year-long drafting process with educators and public feedback. The curriculum will be published on UC Doorways and piloted in 2025-26","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Dozens of parents, students speak in support of Irvine International Academy as board and school leaders pledge to resolve complaints

County board adopts dyslexia screening tool to meet state mandate for K-2 students

Orange County Board creates temporary borrowing policy to give smaller districts and charter schools access to short-term loans

Orange County Board approves ethnic studies curriculum for high school students; course to be shared statewide