Al Mijares, a former elected Orange County Superintendent of Schools who led the county’s Department of Education during the COVID-19 pandemic, died last Thursday at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer.
Mijares served as the County’s superintendent for over a decade and in the final years of his tenure clashed repeatedly with the OC Board of Education over policy – with the two parties facing off in lawsuits to separate their legal teams and over control of the department’s budget.
[Read: OC Board of Education, Superintendent Spend $3 Million in Legal Battle to Pick Their Own Lawyers]
Lisa Sparks, a trustee on the OC Board of Education, said in a Monday text message to the that Mijares was deeply committed to the education of Orange County students.
“Although we did not always align in our views regarding budget decisions and approvals, we aimed to work together as much as possible to best serve our Orange County needs by putting students first,” she wrote.
OC Board of Education Trustee Mari Barke said her thoughts and prayers were with Mijares’ family.
“Even when we had differences of opinions on issues, he treated me with kindness and respect. He will always be remembered for his dedication and commitment to students and education here in Orange County and beyond,” she wrote in a Monday text message.
Tim Shaw, also a trustee on the Board of Education, said that he asked the Orange County Congressional delegation to honor Mijares on the House of Representatives floor in a Monday text message.
“This high honor was a fitting tribute to his long and distinguished career, and I hope it brought him some joy amidst his health challenge,” he wrote. “News of his passing is devastating to all of us who knew him, and we pray his family is comforted at this difficult time”
Mijares’ death comes less than a year since he announced his retirement due to ampullary cancer after taking nearly a year on paid medical leave without publicly disclosing his absence.
[Read: Orange County’s School Superintendent to Retire While Battling Cancer]
“I feel incredibly blessed to have had such a long and fulfilling career. Now, having surpassed the age at which many choose to retire, I know in my heart that it is time to pass the reins to new leaders,” Mijares said last April in a statement announcing his retirement.
“As I step away, I will carry with me cherished memories and a profound sense of pride in all that we have accomplished together.”
Prior to Mijares’ retirement, the board selected Stefan Bean, a charter school principal, to replace him.
“We are deeply saddened by his loss but profoundly grateful for the enduring legacy he leaves behind,” Bean said in a new release Friday. “His vision and commitment have indelibly shaped the future of education in our community.”
Bean’s appointment last year came after he lost the 2022 election for the superintendent position to Mijares by over 52,000 votes.
The OC Department of Education provides legal support to the county’s 28 school districts, manages countywide charter schools and oversees ACCESS, which offers continuation school and special needs education to students throughout the county.
Mijares was first appointed as the superintendent of the County Department of Education in 2012 after spending six years as vice president of the College Board – a nonprofit aimed at getting high schoolers into college.
He was elected to the role in 2014 then again in 2018 and 2022.
Prior to his time at College Board, Mijares also served as the Superintendent of Santa Ana Unified School District from 1994 to 2006.
“Dr. Mijares was a champion for education, dedicating his life to fostering academic achievement and student well-being across diverse communities, including Santa Ana,” reads a Friday news release from the district.
“His leadership, compassion, and commitment to students have left an indelible mark on our district and beyond.”
Hosam Elattar is a Voice of OC reporter and corps member with Report for America, a GroundTruth initiative. Contact him at helattar@voiceofoc.org or on Twitter @ElattarHosam.
Emily Wilson is a Voice of OC intern. You can reach her at egwilson33@gmail.com or on Twitter @ewilssson.