The warning follows several months of financial crisis within the district. Just a few months ago, Oakland Unified was projected to run out of cash as early as fall 2025, with an anticipated $95 million budget shortfall. That deficit was reduced to $30 million, the district said over the summer, in large part through reduction and rearrangement of staffing. But district staff warned that Oakland Unified was still spending more than it receives and retaining too many employees with money the district simply doesn't have.
In a letter sent to the community Thursday, Saddler - who stepped into the top role over the summer after the school board ousted longtime superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell - said that $100 million must be cut from the 2026-27 budget in order for the district to stay afloat. "People we know and care about will lose their jobs. Programs our students love will be reduced or eliminated," Saddler said.
Local News Boston's election department has been under state control for months. On Election Day last November, multiple precincts in Boston ran dangerously low on ballots, forcing police cruisers to rush through the city in order to restock the polling places. Tuesday's preliminary municipal election will not draw the heightened voting numbers seen in a presidential election, but officials are still paying close attention to make sure enough ballots are stocked.