Dr. Bean’s Service and Contributions
as County Superintendent
​Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Advancing the 5-3-1 Strategic Plan
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In his first full year as County Superintendent, Dr. Stefan Bean worked alongside colleagues across the organization to bring the 5-3-1 Strategic Plan to life. Grounded in a shared commitment to students, the plan aligned OCDE’s efforts around three core priorities: student success, service excellence, and shared leadership.
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Today, that framework continues to guide the department’s partnership with 28 school districts and more than 40 charter schools, in support of over 425,000 students across Orange County.
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Supported the creation of new leadership roles and a dedicated student success division to promote coherence and responsive district support.
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Helped strengthen alignment across divisions, fostering greater collaboration and momentum toward graduation and college-readiness goals.
Academic Achievement and Student Success
Orange County students continued to demonstrate resilience and growth on California’s annual assessments, with steady progress toward pre-pandemic performance levels. These outcomes reflect the dedicated work of educators, families, and district leaders across our county.
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59% of students met or exceeded standards in English language arts (49% statewide).
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49% met or exceeded standards in mathematics (37% statewide).
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43% met or exceeded standards in science (33% statewide).
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Overall, Orange County’s results remained higher than those of seven neighboring counties — Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Imperial — by five percentage points in English language arts and seven percentage points in mathematics.
Innovation and Emerging Technologies
With a focus on preparing students for a rapidly evolving world, Dr. Bean has supported thoughtful innovation grounded in safety, ethics and opportunity for all learners.
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Launched initiatives to support the responsible integration of artificial intelligence in education, equipping educators to use emerging tools safely, ethically and effectively.
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Introduced the Orange County Impact Schools program, fostering collaboration among innovative campuses and creating opportunities for educators to learn from one another through site visits, shared practices and professional exchange.
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Established the Innovation Funding Initiative, providing competitive grants for educator-led projects designed to strengthen instruction, advance equity and deepen student engagement.
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Helped launch the Bright Futures Foundation, expanding OCDE’s capacity to partner with community organizations, businesses and donors in support of innovative programs and expanded student opportunities across the county.
Student Well-Being and Opportunities
Recognizing that students thrive when they feel supported, connected and prepared for the future, Dr. Bean has worked with partners across Orange County to expand both wellness supports and real-world learning opportunities.
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Supported the expansion of school-based mental health services and student-led wellness efforts, including programs such as Student Advocates for Mental Health, helping students build resilience and peer connection.
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Helped broaden Career Technical Education opportunities through OC Pathways, connecting students to high-demand industries and hands-on learning experiences that open doors to meaningful careers.
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Launched the ACCESS 2030 Vision — a long-term effort to empower every student to thrive academically, socially and emotionally — later expanded through Connections to unify supports under a shared vision for student success.
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Strengthened partnerships with business, higher education and workforce agencies, creating more opportunities for students to explore real-world career pathways and postsecondary options.
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Began developing a partnership with Olive Crest and CCPA to create supportive centers where older foster youth can complete high school, access internships and career training, and transition successfully into young adulthood
Innovation and Emerging Technologies
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Launched initiatives supporting artificial intelligence in education, equipping educators to use AI safely, ethically and effectively.
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Introduced the Orange County Impact Schools program, a collaborative effort that celebrates innovative campuses and enables educators to learn from one another through site visits, shared practices and professional exchange.
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Created the Innovation Funding Initiative, awarding competitive grants for educator-led projects that improve instruction, equity and student engagement.
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Launched the Bright Futures Foundation, expanding OCDE’s ability to partner with community organizations, businesses and donors to support innovative programs and student opportunities countywide.
Recognition​
Dr. Bean is grateful for the recognition he has received, which he views as a reflection of the collective work of educators, partners and communities committed to serving Orange County’s students.
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Recipient of the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award from the Orange County Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
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Honored as a 2025 Community Pillar of Influence for Education.
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Named to the 2025 OC500 Directory of Influence by the Orange County Business Council.
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Recipient of The Blue Door Award, Boys and Girls Club Orange County
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Endorsed by the CalAsian Chamber of Commerce.
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Recognized as the 2026 Superintendent of the Year by the California Association of Asian and Pasifika Leaders in Education
Boards and Committees
Dr. Bean is honored to serve alongside community, education and business leaders who share a commitment to expanding opportunity for young people across Orange County.
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Board Member, Orange County Business Council
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Board Member, Teacher of the Year Foundation
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Board Member, Junior Achievement of Orange County
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Board Member, CalAsian Chamber of Commerce
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Board Member, Latino Youth Leadership Academy
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Ex Officio Member, Orange County Bright Futures Foundation
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Co-chair, CA County Superintendent Students With Disabilities Advisory Committee
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Voting Member, Investment Oversight Committee (formerly Treasurer's Oversight Committee)