Special Meeting: Orange County Board of Education to Interview Candidates for County Superintendent
Meeting Details:
- Date: Wednesday, May 22
- Time: 3:30 p.m.
- Location: Board Room, Orange County Department of Education, 200 Kalmus Drive, Costa Mesa
- Live Stream: Available on YouTube
- Details: Special Meeting Agenda
Overview:
The Orange County Board of Education will hold a special meeting to interview candidates for the position of county superintendent. This critical role involves overseeing the schools and programs administered by the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) and serving as the employer of record for all OCDE staff. The county superintendent is also responsible for providing mandated fiscal oversight for every Orange County school district and ensuring that all students have access to sufficient textbooks and instructional materials.
Term and Appointment:
The selected candidate will complete the remainder of County Superintendent Dr. Al Mijares' term, ending in January 2027, with the opportunity to run for a full four-year term in 2026. Dr. Mijares announced his resignation effective the end of June, citing health issues.
Candidate Requirements:
Prospective candidates were required to submit résumés highlighting their qualifications and experience, along with letters of reference. Candidates must be residents and registered voters in Orange County at the time of their appointment and possess a valid credential authorizing them to perform administrative services in California.
Candidates:
Six prospective candidates have submitted applications by the May 10 deadline and will be interviewed at the meeting:
- Dr. Stefan Bean: Executive Director of Irvine International Academy, former Superintendent and Associate Superintendent of Aspire Public Schools Los Angeles
- Dennis Cole: Director of District Partnerships and Operations for OCDE's Alternative Education Division (ACCESS), Trustee for the Fountain Valley School District
- Dr. Charles D. Hinman: Former Superintendent of the West Covina Unified School District, Interim Superintendent of the Fountain Valley and Westminster School Districts, Oxford Preparatory Academy
- Dr. Maria Martinez-Poulin: Former Superintendent of the Whittier City School District, Interim Superintendent for the Culver City Unified School District, Deputy Superintendent for the Los Angeles County Office of Education
- Dr. Ramon Miramontes: Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Programs for OCDE, Former Superintendent of the Buena Park School District
- Kirsten Vital Brulte: Former Superintendent of the Capistrano and Alameda Unified School Districts
Role and Responsibilities
The County Superintendent of Schools holds critical responsibilities, which include, but are not limited to:
- Supervising schools administered by the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE).
- Serving as the employer of record for all OCDE staff.
- Managing all programs and services provided by the OCDE.
- Providing fiscal oversight of each school district within the county.
- Ensuring the availability of sufficient textbooks and instructional materials for all students.
For a comprehensive list of duties, please visit Section 1240 of the California Education Code. For additional information and updates, please visit the Orange County Board of Education website at ocbe.us.
