Oakland school board approves $102M budget cut

"The plan includes deep cuts to both the central office and school sites, hiring and contract freezes, and shifting costs from the district's general fund to restricted funding sources. The proposal, brought forward by interim superintendent Denise Saddler, also relies on anticipated increases in per-student revenue through investments in raising attendance rates and establishing transitional kindergarten hub sites. OUSD will also make midyear cuts to the current school year's budget in order to shore up the district's reserves."

"Students, parents, and community members stood up during the public comment period to advocate for protecting schools, preserving special education funding, and maintaining investments in safety - including in violence prevention programs that are set to lose city funding at the end of this school year. Families from Skyline High School in particular, urged the board to continue investments in safety precautions following an on-campus shooting last month that injured a student."

"This fall marked the first opportunity the elected board has had to make independent decisions about its finances in 22 years, after the district left state receivership in July. Beyond the budget cuts, Saddler asked the board to commit to a district restructuring process, which could include school closures or mergers, in the spring to bring spending in line with revenues for the long term."

Oakland Unified School District will cut $102 million from next year's budget, affecting every part of the district. The reductions target central office and school sites and include hiring and contract freezes alongside shifting costs from the general fund to restricted sources. The plan counts on increased per-student revenue through higher attendance and new transitional kindergarten hubs and also includes midyear cuts to bolster reserves. Community members urged preservation of schools, special education, and violence-prevention programs after a recent on-campus shooting at Skyline High. The board moved toward a restructuring process that could include closures or mergers to align spending with revenue.

Read at The Oaklandside