June 1, 2017

What if we reimagined Oakland public education?

California (and Federal) Context

Oakland Public Education History

Our Current Reality

How We All Can Help

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Let’s consider…

California (and Federal) Context

p. 3

Ranking StateCurrent Funding/Student(Adjusted for Reg. Cost Differences)

Percentage of National Average

1 Vermont $18,882 161%

2 Alaska $18,113 154%

3 Wyoming $17,758 151%

4 New York $17,326 148%

5 New Jersey $15,421 131%

6 Connecticut $15,172 129%

7 Maine $14,613 125%

8 New Hampshire $14,561 124%

- US Average $11,735 100%

46 California $8,308 71%

Source: Education Week Quality Counts 2015 – January 8, 2015 – Approx. 85% of Oakland funding comes from CA.

California (and Federal) Context

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• Current Federal Proposals: Devastating for Oakland public education in multiple ways:• Indirect impact may be most devastating:

e.g. undermine healthcare that is critical support for our community schools (where 75% of the children live in households where the average income is about $36,000/year for a family of 4)

• Overall reduction in funding• Already eliminated a grant program set for

Oakland

Oakland Public Education History

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1970s• Black Panther School• Marcus Foster• Breaking down red-lining policies • Tackling true integration

1980s• Declining funding; rising challenges, and

teacher strikes• Resegregation (along with suburban flight)

1990s• Embattled stagnation (i.e. Ebonics battle)• CA charter law passes; first charters open in

response to lack of District improvement• Mayor Jerry Brown attempts take-over

Oakland Public Education History

p. 6

2000s• State Administration after financial challenges

caused by rising costs and stagnant enrollment

• Small Schools Movement (Gates, National Equity Project, community orgs)

• Options enrollment process enacted• Return to local control followed by

contentious school consolidation• Great Oakland Public Schools starts

2010s• Numerous superintendents; shifting policy• Antwan Wilson voted in 6-1 with unanimous

Pathway to Excellence strategic plan to unify district

• New funding helps fuel overdue raises, new investments; but progress stalls; then Supt leaves and budget crisis hits

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Our Current RealityDeclining and shifting enrollmentStagnant graduation rates with some bright spots #OUSDBudget shortfalls despite recent funding increasesPersistent equity challengesSignificant facilities and program imbalances compared to similar districtsDivisive discourse though hope for new Superintendent

SBAC English Language – Met & Exceeded

Student achievement

is a community-

wide challenge

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SBAC Math – Met & Exceeded

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Student achievement

is a community-

wide challenge

Despite recent raises and still good benefits, still on the low side within the region

Two annual surveys have reinforced the teachers greatest concern: basic needs like supplies, heating/cooling. etc.

p. 10

Teacher Pay

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How We Can All Help

Get connected: Educate78.org and @Educate78 on Facebook & Twitter and w/

GO Public Schools

Oakland Public Education Fund

Get this message out into more spaces: Your school communities, neighborhood groups, and professional circles

Stay Engaged: Continue learning, questioning, and pushing

What questions, reactions, or suggestions do you have?

Thank you!