Sara Pelly - Orange Unified School Board Trustee

08/31/2026

Today I visited three of OUSD’s visionary leaders - Taft principal Dr. Misty Brunasso, Handy principal Mr. Adolfo Herrera, and Chapman Hills principal Mr. Michael Higgins - to check in and see how the start of school is going, and what we can do to support them, their students, staff, and parents.

Principals are not only instructional leaders, they are supervisors, operations managers, culture builders, chief safety officers - and so much more! Investing in our site leaders means investing in our schools. I am grateful to all of our site principals for everything they do to strengthen our instructional programs, inspire our teachers, and make our schools welcoming and safe throughout the year.

Here’s to a great school year! 🍊

08/28/2026

Thanks to Phirun, Villa Park Elementary night custodian, for keeping the campus looking beautiful, and doing his job with a smile! 🍊 Welcome back Bobcats!



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08/22/2026

Great way to start the school year - with more wonderful news about Orange Unified School District! 🍊

I'm so proud of the continued hard work of our students, and the strong partnerships formed among teachers, staff, administrators, and parents. 🧡

Orange Unified School District is thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students and staff, as Canyon, El Modena, and Villa Park High Schools have secured their place in the U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings for the seventh consecutive year.

This prestigious recognition, which also extends to 19 of our district's elementary and middle school programs this year, reflects our steadfast commitment to academic excellence and student success across all levels.

Read the full news story here: https://orangeunified.org/USNewsBestHighSchools

08/19/2026

Happy Back to School Orange Unified students, teachers, staff, and administrators! This is a New Year with New Possibilities, and I am confident it will be one of the best in recent history for everyone! 🍊

With a renewed focus on Learning, our leadership team is committed to Strengthening Student Engagement, Connection, and Success!

Be sure to read more about it in the Superintendent Message.
https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/82479439

Have a fantastic year! 🏫🚌🎒

Refocus on Learning: Strengthening Student Engagement, Connection, and SuccessAt Orange Unified School...

08/19/2026

Wishing all our OUSD teachers the best 2026-27 school year! You make a difference! 🤩✨💖

08/18/2026

At last week's board meeting (August 13, 2026) we had our first read of new Board Policy 5142.4 E-Bikes and Other E-Conveyances. This policy will put in place important safety measures for students, including annual safety training and registration. Read more at https://www.orangeusd.org/departments/board-of-education/agendas
Student safety always comes first!
*Don't miss tonight's ebike safety training at VPHS!!

08/11/2026

Proud of these incredible OUSD teachers of the year! 🍊 I am honored to have been able to work with them - Ms. Hoi as a student teacher and Ms. Ballesteros as a 6th grade teacher. 🧡 Their talent and abilities were apparent early on. Thanks to my Alma Mater Chapman University and the Donna Ford Attallah College of Educational Studies for their excellent teacher education program! 🐾

Two Attallah College alumni are 2026 Orange Unified Teachers of the Year! 🎉

Congratulations to Dorcas Hoi, IES ’18, MACI ’19, and Marina Ballesteros, MA ’19. We’re proud to see our alumni making a difference for their students and school communities while continuing to grow as educators.

Read the full story: https://blogs.chapman.edu/education/2026/08/06/attallah-college-alumni-named-2026-orange-unified-teachers-of-the-year/

08/07/2026

Thirty-three years ago today Mike Pelly and I made a life-long commitment to each other. 💒

Starting out as young career-educators, Mike in higher education, and me in K-12 public schools, we were barely able to afford a mortgage, but we felt like the richest couple in Orange. 🍊💝🧡 We both loved our jobs, and through the years watched as former students began successful careers and started families of their own. 🥹

After nearly four decades in the same professions, Mike and I have seen thousands of students learn, grow, and become their best selves. Our love for each other and for education has never waivered, and our commitment remains steadfast. 💖

Passion, commitment, experience. That is why I am on the Orange Unified School Board. 🤩🍊✅

07/30/2026

Public Schools play a critical role in our communities and our country! When you support public education, you support everyone!! 🚸✏️👩‍🏫🏫🎒🎓🚌