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SANTA ANA, CALIF. – March 25, 2025 – This evening, hundreds of Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) supporters will gather to protest Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD)’s demand of $16 million, which the district knows OCSA cannot pay.
The protest reflects the growing outrage of OCSA community members who stand against the district’s relentless financial demands for services that were never rendered. Frustrated supporters demand an end to SAUSD’s attempted extortion, which reflects a district that continues to prioritize legal battles over Santa Ana students’ educational opportunities.
“Tonight shows a clear message from our community: enough is enough,” OCSA President and CEO Teren Shaffer said. “For nearly four decades, OCSA has been a community gem where students thrive academically and artistically. We will not let SAUSD destroy our community’s success. We will continue to stand strong against the district’s baseless threats, and we will not rest until our students are able to focus on their education without a cloud of financial pressure looming over.”
During OCSA’s first 20 years as a public charter school, OCSA was forced to pay more than $11 million to SAUSD with minimal services rendered. OCSA became a financial windfall for the district.
Now, SAUSD is attempting to seize an additional $16 million from OCSA, deeming it an “equitable share” of SAUSD’s deficit despite providing no additional services. Upon losing its cash source, SAUSD has since forced OCSA to engage in years-long legal battle, costing the district and OCSA millions of dollars in legal fees.
“As a new SAUSD board member who was born and raised in Santa Ana, I believe the district has a real opportunity to lead by coming to the table with a solution that works for ALL our public schools and students, both present and future,” said SAUSD Board Member Brenda Lebsack. “With millions spent on lawyers and no end in sight, everyone is losing. It’s time to settle this case reasonably for a ‘win-win.’”
With the SAUSD superintendent announcing his retirement, SAUSD’s legal action is a runaway effort that has cost the district and its students millions in legal fees. SAUSD currently faces a deficit of more than $180 million, including nearly $3 million paid to the law firm fighting OCSA, Dannis, Woliver and Kelly (DWK).
In early March, OCSA announced its plans to appeal following failed mediation with SAUSD despite OCSA’s good-faith efforts. The Second District of the California Court of Appeal is expected to hear oral arguments in early April or May.
The protest will occur at the March 25 SAUSD Board Meeting which will be held at 6:30 p.m. within the Board Room at W.H. Spurgeon Administration Center, 1601 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92701.
About Orange County School of the Arts
The nationally recognized Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) provides an unparalleled arts and academic education in a creative, challenging and nurturing environment to a diverse student body with a passion for the arts. Founded in 1987, OCSA currently serves approximately 2,300 gifted students in grades seven through 12 from more than 100 cities throughout California. In addition to a college-preparatory academic program, OCSA offers pre-professional arts training in 17 conservatories within the Schools of Applied Arts, Dance, Fine & Media Arts, Music and Theatre. The nonprofit public charter school relies solely on private donations, totaling $10 million annually, to fund the arts training programs. Currently led by president and CEO Teren Shaffer, OCSA has received recognitions for its programs locally, regionally and nationally. For additional information, visit www.ocsarts.net.
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