State honors Orange Unified special education program for Pathways to Possibility

The Orange Unified School District's special education department received statewide recognition tonight when the California Advisory Commission on Special Education, in partnership with SELPA Administrators of California and the county superintendents, presented the district with the 2025 Impact Award for its Pathways to Possibility program.

Dr. Rachel Heenan of the California Department of Education and Scott Turner of the SELPA Administrators of California joined a commissioner from the Advisory Commission to present the plaque and an award check the district had received in Sacramento. Presenters highlighted the program’s focus on inclusion, peer mentoring, co‑teaching and vocational pathways and cited measurable gains: higher special education graduation rates, a 77% increase in students spending more than 80% of their day in general education settings over eight years, and over 100 students gaining paid work experience through the district’s Orange Works vocational pathways.

"Orange Unified has become a model for what we mean when we say high expectations for all students," Dr. Heenan said. Commissioner Ruiz, representing the state advisory commission, praised the district’s results and the community partnerships that support them. Superintendent Dr. Rachel Menares and board members thanked staff, families and district leaders.

The award presentation included recognition of district leaders and staff who traveled to Sacramento to receive the award; district representatives said the recognition underscores sustained focus on inclusion and transition services for students with disabilities.