Orange County Education Leaders Sworn In Following June Election

The Orange County Department of Education officially welcomed its newly elected leadership during this year’s organizational meeting, where Stefan Bean and Orange County Board of Education members Mari Barke and Lisa Sparks took the oath of office.  

Dr. Bean, who was first appointed as Orange County Superintendent of Schools in 2024, was elected to continue leading the department after running unopposed in the June election. During the ceremony, his four children administered his oath of office, while former trustee Linda Lindholm swore in Barke and Sparks. Following the ceremony, the Board elected Tim Shaw as president, Jorge Valdes as vice president, and Ken Williams as clerk for the coming year.  

The Orange County Board of Education oversees the Orange County Department of Education, which supports the county’s 28 school districts while providing educational services, specialized programs, and resources for students, educators, and schools throughout the region. The annual organizational meeting marks the official beginning of new terms and establishes the Board’s leadership for the year ahead.  

For Orange County families and educators, the swearing-in represents the continuation of leadership responsible for guiding countywide educational programs and supporting public schools across the region.