OUSD faces a $79 million deficit this year

OUSD is calling for community input to resolve the $79 million budget deficit and possible school closures

The Oakland Unified School District says tough choices lie ahead as the district tries to cut its budget and officials plan a series of community meetings to get public input on possible solutions to this year’s projected $79 million deficit.

OAKLAND, California. – Families at Bridges Academy in East Oakland were excited Thursday to see the brand new, green schoolyard for students and the community to enjoy as sponsors held a ribbon-cutting ceremony along with a Halloween festival.

“Now it’s really bright and green, it’s really beautiful,” says Maria Chavez, a parent with two children in the neighborhood, as she looks out at the lush landscape of trees and other native plants that have replaced the once plain black asphalt .

Children paraded around in costumes and took part in Halloween games and artwork for Day of the Dead.

The schoolyard represents a sign of success and hope for Bridges Academy, located near 53rd Avenue and International Boulevard, as the district faces the possibility of budget cuts and school closures.

“The school district and everything isn’t going so well, but now that they’re doing the new playground and everything, it seems like they’re turning a corner. Hopefully we can get some help to turn these schools around,” said Cotia Black, a older. .

The Oakland Unified School District is facing dire financial projections, with a $79 million dollar deficit this year, and the specter of a $95 million dollar deficit next year if cuts are not made.

OUSD officials For example, with 34,000 students enrolled, that is not enough to support the district’s current 77 schools.

“Doing nothing is not an option. We clearly no longer have room to adjust things as we did before,” said Lisa Grant-Dawson, OUSD’s Business Director. in a video on the district’s online website.

In 2021, budget cuts led to protests and the occupation of one school site. The district ultimately closed two schools and eliminated high school grades at another location.

Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammel is expected to propose budget cuts and possible school closures at the next board meeting on Nov. 13.

“I think it’s really sad. They should not close schools because children should be educated in small classrooms,” Chavez said.

“I feel really sad when I hear that the schools are closing. Since he’s been here so long, I hope it (doesn’t) close. I hope they get some money,” said Sarah Black, a grandparent of an elementary school student . .

Some hope that funding through public-private partnerships could help. The new Bridge Academy schoolyard was built as a result of an effort between OUSD, the nonprofit Trust for Public Landand Freestone Capital.

Michael Allard of Freestone Capital says it’s a business investment in human capital to help students grow and prosper.

“Providing a safe and beautiful environment to learn in is life-changing, and I think it’s important that all children have the opportunity to do that,” Allard said.

“Schools can’t do it alone, the budget isn’t there, but there are state dollars available for greening projects and I think schoolyards are a no-brainer way to get that money into the heart of communities and deliver as many benefits as possible.”, says Kira Maritano, senior program manager at Trust for Public Land.

Jana Katsuyama is a reporter for KTVU. Email Jana at [email protected]. Call her at 510-326-5529. Or follow her on Twitter @JanaKTVU and read her other reports on her biography page.