OUSD Tax Measures Are a Step Towards Equity, a Leap is Needed in CA

Oakland’s schools are underfunded and need a permanent fix.  While it’s great to see local tax measures on property and developers moving forward, we really need to look hard at the statewide funding system if we are going to get to real equity.  The elephant in the room is Proposition 13 which capped all property…


Why do I and Other Black Families Support Charter Schools

Most Black families support charter schools, not because they are duped or privatizers, but because many see their neighborhood schools, and know their children need better options.  I know, because I saw it first hand in West Oakland, struggling to get my brother the education he deserved, in a system that didn’t treat him with…


Conflicting Reports on CA Charter Admissions Violations, Any Number Is Too High

Too many charter schools are setting illegal admissions standards, whether that is 2%, as the California Charter Association reports  or 20% as the ACLU of SoCal and Public Advocates report (full disclosure my first legal gig was at Public Advocates).   Charter schools are public schools and need to have open admissions, so any number is…


Bad Apples in Charter Admissions and What We Can Do

Some time ago, at a charter school near you, I went to enroll a foster child, let’s call her ”Keasha.”  She needed a good school; that was smaller and more personalized.  Brushing aside my lack of legal authority, we asked the receptionist for an application. She explained that the school may not have any spots,…