OUSD Equity and Infrastructure Upgrades
Key Questions
What is the facilities crisis in Oakland Unified School District (OUSD)?
OUSD faces a $3.5 billion facilities crisis with 38 deficient schools, such as Skyline lacking AC and portables. A 2028 bond is proposed to address these issues.
What fiscal warnings are there for OUSD?
County Superintendent Castro warns of no solvency plan, risking insolvency and state takeover by June. This follows cuts of 421 jobs after the OEA contract.
What job cuts and oppositions are occurring in OUSD?
OUSD cut 421 jobs post-contract, with opposition to assistant principal cuts. Achievement data shows skews, like Skyline's 17 vs. 9 zero scores, and Thornhill Elementary received awards for excellence.
What year-end events are planned by OUSD?
OUSD hosts Play Day on May 16 and Boating at Lake Merritt on May 23. These celebrate the school year end with Oakland Parks.
What is the status of transitional kindergarten (TK) in OUSD?
TK enrollment is booming with 1,400 four-year-olds on waitlists in Districts 1, 2, and 4. OUSD also offers Rooted 33-unit teacher housing with 93% retention.
What community and mentoring programs support OUSD?
Programs include Curry auction, Prescott Circus, BANANAS, Youth UpRising gardens, and mentoring. An open data portal provides school directory information.
What actions have OUSD principals taken amid the crisis?
Dozens of principals issued a rare call to close schools and end leadership limbo due to dire classroom conditions and fiscal issues.
What recognition has Thornhill Elementary received?
Thornhill Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School, Best K-8 School by Oakland Magazine, and a California Distinguished School.
$3.5B facilities crisis (38 deficient like Skyline no AC/portables, 2028 bond); fiscal warnings: County Supt Castro blasts no solvency plan, insolvency/state takeover risk by June, 421 jobs cut post-OEA contract; AP skewed (Skyline 17 vs 9 zero), asst principal cuts opposed, Thornhill Elementary awards highlight excellence; year-end events Play Day May16/Boating May23 Lake Merritt; TK boom 1,400 4yo waitlists Dist1/2/4; Rooted 33-unit teacher housing (93% retention); Curry auction/Prescott Circus/BANANAS/Youth UpRising gardens mentoring; open data portal for school directory.