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Board names interim superintendent, rescinds parental-notification policy and approves 7‑11 committee
Summary
At its Nov. 14 meeting the Orange Unified School District board appointed Michael Christiansen interim superintendent (effective 11/18/2024), voted 5–2 to rescind board policy BP 5020.2 consistent with state action, and approved formation of a 7‑11 advisory committee to study surplus property (LaVita); several other policy updates and consent items passed unanimously.
The Orange Unified School District Board of Education on Nov. 14 appointed Michael Christiansen as interim superintendent effective Nov. 18, 2024, approved several policy revisions and consent items unanimously, and voted to rescind a parent-notification board policy after receiving public comment and brief trustee debate.
In a closed-session announcement, the board reported the appointment of Michael Christiansen to serve as interim superintendent, a move approved in closed session by a 7–0 vote. President Page read the appointment during the open session report.
Later in the meeting the board addressed board policy BP 5020.2, the district’s parental-notification policy. After several members of the public urged either retention or repeal, President Page said Governor Newsom had signed into law “19,55” (as stated in the meeting) that, according to the administration, invalidates the board policy. A motion to rescind BP 5020.2 was seconded and carried on a 5–2 vote. Two trustees announced they would vote no, citing parental-rights concerns.
The board also considered a package of proposed board-policy revisions and bylaws for second reading and approval. Trustees discussed adding annual timelines for systematic evaluation of internal control systems and creating ad hoc workgroups for emergency/disaster preparedness. The board approved the presented policy revisions by a 7–0 vote.
Trustees voted 7–0 to form a 7‑11 advisory committee to study potential surplus-property options for a portion of LaVita (see separate article). The committee is advisory only; staff said it will recruit applicants, vet candidates against committee criteria, and return names to the board for approval. Consent items on the agenda were approved 7–0.
The board held public comment on several items before taking votes. Speakers urged clearer reclassification processes for classified employees, raised concerns about rising employee health‑insurance costs since the district’s change in carriers, and pressed for stronger emergency plans after a recent multi‑day power outage. The board asked staff to provide a report on communications during the outage.
The board scheduled a second December meeting (staff to confirm exact date) to handle remaining business and adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
