This has been an unprecedented year for education in California. The state financial deficit, a weak economy, budget reductions to education, and other factors have affected our schools in significant ways. Over the years, public schools have cut or reduced vital direct services to students such as counseling, high school electives, athletics, and transportation to name a few. Orange County districts continue to reorganize services through lay-offs of teachers, counselors, administrators, librarians, classified employees, and other key school employees.

Despite difficult budget times, as we look toward the future of education in our county, there is reason to be proud. Orange County students consistently outperform, outscore, and outrank the state average; five southern California regions; and most other California counties on standardized tests, drop-out data, college enrollment, and other measures of achievement. We continue to make strides in closing the achievement gap and meeting the challenge of holding all students to an academic content standard that is among the most rigorous in the nation. The success of our students is supported by the dedicated efforts of many, including board of education members, superintendents, and administrators, as well as thousands of committed teachers, classified employees, PTAs, parents, community members, and business leaders.

We are living in challenging times; however, I am confident and hopeful that together we will uphold our pledge and commitment to the future of our children and our nation. Through our collaborative efforts, we can be secure in the knowledge that Orange County will continue to provide a world class education where every student succeeds.
 

William M. Habermehl
County Superintendent of Schools