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.