Wearing a black suit and tie and standing across from retired California legislator Marian Bergeson, Dr. Al Mijares raised his right hand as he took the oath of office as Orange County Superintendent of Schools. That event took place nearly 10 years ago on Oct. 10, 2012. At that time, he had been serving as superintendent for three months after he was appointed by county trustees to replace retiring Superintendent William Habermehl. Dr. Mijares would go on to be elected to full terms in 2014, 2018 and, most recently, in 2022. Under his leadership, the Orange County Department of Education serves some of the most vulnerable student populations and provides support and mandated fiscal oversight to 28 school districts serving more than 600 schools and approximately 475,000 students. In addition to providing direct instruction to students through its own alternative and special education programs, OCDE administers an array of programs and services that are critical to the operations of local school districts and community colleges, facilitating professional development, legal guidance, payroll, career and technical education support, high-speed internet access, Local Control and Accountability Plan assistance and approval, resources for families, and student enrichment. "It is our goal that Orange County will lead the nation in college and career readiness and success,” said Dr. Mijares. “We aren’t just interested in leading California. We want to lead the nation.” As focused as he is on education, the superintendent also believes in the Golden Rule, which is the principle of treating others as one would like to be treated.