OCDE honors language services team with CSBA Golden Bell, accepts donation and adopts Black History Month resolution

The Orange County Department of Education recognized its language services team on Jan. 8 after the group won a California School Boards Association (CSBA) Golden Bell Award.

Superintendent Dr. Bean introduced the language‑services staff and credited Natalia Barca for founding the unit that provides interpretation and translation services to districts and families across the county. Dr. Bean said the team holds contracts with multiple districts to supply interpreters for IEP meetings, emergencies and other events. Board members came forward for photographs and presented small awards.

Donation and charter petition

The board also accepted a $10,000 donation from Citizens Business Bank on behalf of Suncoast Preparatory Academy (sometimes referred to as CCPA in remarks). Board members thanked the donor and heard brief remarks from a representative; staff said the donor could not attend after a schedule change.

Separately, the board received a charter petition submitted for Tustin International Charter School. Staff said Tustin Unified denied the petition on Dec. 19; OCDE will hold a public hearing March 5 and take board action on April 2; binders were provided to trustees.

Nut graf: The meeting combined recognition of staff achievements with routine business — acceptance of a donation and processing of a charter petition — and a unanimous board vote to adopt a resolution declaring February as Black History Month.

Black History Month resolution

A board member moved to adopt a resolution recognizing February as Black History Month, the board seconded and the motion passed unanimously (5–0). Trustees noted the month’s historic origins and the county office’s role in honoring accomplishments of people of African descent.

Public comments and school praise

During public comment, speakers praised Suncoast Preparatory Academy (parents and representatives testified about student progress) and urged the county to record certain county committee meetings. A public commenter thanked OCDE staff for assistance locating longitudinal district data and specifically praised an employee named Leanne in the business department for help accessing California Department of Education resources.

Ending: The board’s recognition and routine business items closed without controversy; staff will proceed with charter petition scheduling, donor acknowledgement and dissemination of award materials.