More Potential Closures for OUSD
After facing budget deficits and declining enrollment, Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is considering school closures starting in the upcoming school year. This would include closing and merging about 11 school sites to address the $174 million deficit. Following many conversations and past potential closures within the district, community members are anxious about the upcoming vote, the seemingly inevitable closures, and how it would impact families in the area. There has been much turmoil among the board following the resignation of the board president, and a lot is up in the air for these students. The board will vote on this in December or in the Spring.
It’s unfortunate that schools face such financial deficits that they feel that it’s necessary to shut down schools that are crucial for students to have a successful educational journey. If we reformed Prop. 13 and made sure corporations paid their fair share in property taxes, $12 billion would be restored to our public schools, including more funding for OUSD. With corporations paying their part, schools wouldn’t have to contemplate whether they should shut down schools and disrupt student lives. It’s time for a real, long-term solution rather than temporary bandaids that result in voting on school closures every few years.
Don Feria / Special to the Chronicle 2023
Oakland Unified faces school closures again — three years after they sparked bitter fights
By Jill Tucker | SF Chronicle | October 30th, 2024