The Orange County Board of Education voted 5-0 to approve a countywide charter petition from Navigator Schools to open Orange County Prep and operate up to three sites in Orange County. The board conducted a public hearing and allowed representatives and members of the public to comment before voting.

The petition, filed June 9, proposes a classroom-based TK–12 program and lists Orange Unified, La Habra City, Capistrano Unified and Santa Ana Unified as districts where the operator intended to notify potential facilities. Navigator Schools’ superintendent and CEO, Dr. Caprice Young, told the board her team remained available to answer questions and said, “everything that we said in the hearing still stands.”

Why it matters: approval gives Navigator Schools the countywide authorization it requested, enabling the operator to seek facilities and enroll students countywide rather than being limited to a single district. The board’s action allows the operator to proceed with planning, outreach and site identification under the charter’s terms.

Board discussion and result: Trustees praised the petition team’s presentation and preparation. Trustee comments emphasized confidence in the leadership and the petition’s readiness; Trustee Barkey said she was “very supportive” and called the petition team “well prepared.” Trustee Sparks moved to approve under Option 1 (approve as written). The board then conducted a roll-call vote: Sparks — yes; Valdez — yes; Barkey — yes; Williams — yes; Shaw — yes. The motion passed 5–0.

Next steps and limitations: With the board’s approval, Navigator Schools may move forward under the countywide authorization to secure facilities, enroll students and implement the program. Specific facility approvals and enrollment plans will follow and are subject to the charter’s conditions and any applicable Prop. 39 or lease processes. The board’s action was limited to the petition before it and did not allocate facilities or funds.