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 2,000people 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.
