The school board’s proposal is the most recent effort to address the district’s budget deficit and declining enrollment. The plan – released last Tuesday – lists 16 possible schools for permanent closure or mergers. Officials say it could save the district up to $14 million in staff and overhead costs.
Oaklandside reported that the announcement has sparked immediate community backlash. On Monday, nearly 2,000 people attended the district’s virtual board meeting to challenge the decision – which could mean larger class sizes and longer travel times for impacted students and teachers. Additional protests are planned throughout the city this week, including a staff hunger strike at Westlake Middle School.
Forty-three percent of the students at schools slated for closure are African-American, double the percentage of the district at large. Oakland’s majority African-American schools are at particular risk. Five of the six elementary schools that could close this spring are more than half African-American, some of the highest enrollment in the district.
At Monday’s meeting, Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell acknowledged the disproportionate impact on African-American students.
Opponents say the proposal’s rapid two-week turnaround could further alienate students and staff, who are already impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The board is set to vote on the proposal next Tuesday.
