We did it! OUSD Passes Community of Schools Policy
Just after midnight during Wednesday’s OUSD Board meeting, more than four months after it was first introduced, the Board voted 5-2 in favor of the Community of Schools Policy!
This is an exciting commitment to all kids in our city, and to fiscal sustainability and quality across district and charter schools. At this pivotal time, we are grateful for the effort, energy, and trust that went into this campaign and resulted in last night’s vote for ALL of Oakland’s students.
You can watch the Board discussion and public comment on this Policy from last night’s meeting here.
Today Superintendent Johnson-Trammell commented on the policy, saying:
“Our Board’s adoption of the Community of Schools policy provides me and my team important guidance to develop a strategy, together with community, to ensure equity, access, quality and sustainability across our school district. The policy is consistent with our value of putting Students First. We know that we must forge a new path forward to make sure our schools work for all students, in every neighborhood. I look forward to all of us working together, including respecting diverse perspectives, as we continue to engage in this essential work on behalf of Oakland’s children and families.”
We did this.
The pathway to this win for Oakland was long and complicated. The policy is a result of many community members across our city engaging in difficult conversations, surfacing our greatest fears and the tensions we feel. One thing is for sure: this could not have happened without you emailing, showing up, or giving us your perspective.
Your commitment brings to our minds the proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
While we celebrate this win for Oakland students–current and future–we know this is not the end. It’s just the beginning. The beginning of work by Superintendent Johnson-Trammell and her team to envision and execute this plan for our communities, as well as the beginning of a new chapter for education in Oakland. We look forward to updating you on progress and announcements, as well as upcoming ways to contribute to the next steps.
Thank you for walking with us on this journey. Help us celebrate by sharing this op-ed about the policy in the Mercury News by two of our own Teacher Policy Fellows.
With gratitude,
Mirella Rangel
Directory of Community Organizing
GO Public Schools Oakland
