Four Things

Hello to all -

This is a piece of an email forwarded to me around the OUSD budget crisis. PLEASE help if you can.  Almost 40,000 children are depending on you.

Theresa

As many of you know, OUSD continues to experience a significant budget crisis.  The Board of Education recently voted to target a $15.1 million dollar reduction ($5.6M is the School Target) across the District in order to maintain local control and avoid state receivership.   State receivership for OUSD put our district in a worse position in the not so distant past.   Each school principal was given a target proposed budget cut last week that was based on a dollar amount per pupil.  They were asked to submit their proposed budget cuts within one week’s time.   We need all parents, guardians, care takers and Oakland community members to take action.  How?  Below are 4 things every person can do to positively impact the budget crisis that will effect every OUSD school and child.

1. Get informed.  There is a lot of information at  https://www.ousd.org/fiscaltransparency. 
   
2. Advocate.  Options include reading and signing the Petition to the OUSD Board demanding that cuts should stay away from our kids and schools.  This is absolutely possible if we all lean in and act.   There are clear alternatives to achieve financial solvency without mid-year cuts to schools.  See https://campaigns.organizefor.org/petitions/stop-state-takeover-of-ousd-and-keep-cuts-away-from-our-kids.
3. Voice your opinion.  Email OUSD Board member(s) today to voice your concerns about the issue and share opinions on how the District should act to avoid impacting OUSD students and schools. District 2 and our Director is Aimee Eng (aimee.eng@ousd.org).  You can also email others on the Board:  District 1 jody.london@ousd.org; District 3 jumoke.hintonhodge@ousd.org; District 4 nina.senn@ousd.org; District 5 roseann.torres@ousd.org; District 6 shanthi.gonzales@ousd.org; District 7 james.harris@ousd.org
4. Unite.  This is a cause worth fighting for.  The quality of children’s education is at stake.  Be there when the OUSD School Board makes its final vote on the resolution.  This is currently scheduled for Wednesday, December 13th at La Escuelita, 1050 2nd Ave at 5pm.