Press Release

SB 907 to Modernize Orange County Board of Education Advances, OCBOE Removes Opposition

Sacramento, Calif. – As a result of collaborative efforts between Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) and the Orange County Board of Education (OCBOE), the Board has now removed its opposition to Senate Bill 907 (SB 907), which expands the Board to include seven elected members and aligns the elections with the November general election.

Amendments to the bill relocate the OCBOE election to the general election cycle beginning in 2026 and add two additional board members as part of the decennial redistricting following the 2030 census.

“Good governance is about finding solutions,” said Senator Newman. “Over the course of the legislative process, we’ve arrived at an agreement on how best to increase participation and ensure broad representation on one of Orange County’s most important educational entities. I appreciate the OCBOE’s demonstrated willingness to find common ground and agree on a plan for moving forward on relocating the OCBOE election, as well as expanding the board’s membership as part of the next decennial redistricting process. The final version of SB 907 is a testament to what we can achieve when we put aside political differences and focus on the common good and our common goal—ensuring the best educational opportunities and outcomes for the students and families of Orange County.”

OCBOE Board President Tim Shaw said, “We all understand that voter turnout is greater in the general election. Board members look forward to sharing our ideas with more Orange County voters and continuing the collaborative process.”

“This compromise highlights the importance of understanding diverse viewpoints to serve our constituents effectively,” echoed Board Vice President Dr. Lisa Spark. “They say that politics is the art of the possible. We’re thankful for Senator Newman’s willingness to engage with all parties – SB 907 is a victory for good governance.”

Why SB 907 is Needed:

  • Population Growth: Orange County’s population has more than doubled since the board’s last modification in 1977.  Orange County is one of the last counties of its size without a seven-member board.
  • Lower Voter Turnout: Currently, the OCBOE consists of five members who are elected during the primary elections, notorious for low voter participation and underrepresentation of diverse communities. The OCBOE race is also the only electoral contest in the county that is decided solely during the primary.
  • Expanded Representation: An expanded board, elected in the general election, will better reflect the rich diversity of Orange County’s communities and ensure a broader range of voices are heard.

Senator Newman, who serves as Chair of the Senate Education Committee, emphasized the importance of these reforms, citing data that shows more than 360,000 fewer voters participated in the 2022 primary election compared to the November general election. This disparity has led to situations where OCBOE candidates have been elected with support as low as 11% of registered voters.

The Orange County Board of Education plays an important role in the Orange County education system, including overseeing the county Department of Education budget and operations. The current five-member board is elected to four-year terms within their respective trustee areas.

SB 907 will enhance the board’s effectiveness by increasing its size and aligning the elections with higher-turnout general elections, fostering greater community engagement and a more representative decision-making body.

To schedule an interview with Senator Newman, contact Brian Wheatley at 916.651.4029.

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State Senator Josh Newman represents the 29th Senate District, which is comprised of portions of Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Bernardino County. The 29th District includes all or parts of the cities of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Chino Hills, City of Industry, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma, Placentia, Rowland Heights, Stanton, Walnut, West Covina and Yorba Linda. Senator Newman is a former United States Army officer, businessperson, and veterans’ advocate, and lives in Fullerton with his wife and daughter.

The Orange County Board of Education provides educational opportunities for Orange County students, promotes student achievement, and offers leadership, services, and resources for Orange County school districts, educators, and the community. The Board consists of five lay members who represent the five trustee areas of the county. Board members are elected for a four-year term by the electors of the trustee area that they represent. From among its members, the Board elects a president and a vice president. The Board has as its secretary and executive officer the County Superintendent of School, who is elected by the people every four years.