The Oakland Ed Week in Review 7/27/24-8/02/24 

It’s time for the Oakland Ed Week in Review!  

We’re back with our roundup of education news from around The Town, the Bay Area, state, and nation for your weekend reading. This is a Dirk favorite and one of the last blogs he published for Great School Voices.  

Here’s what’s been going on: 

Here in Oakland |   Oakland education organizations are actively seeking volunteers for a variety of roles including tutoring, mentoring, and school improvement initiatives to support students and enhance educational outcomes. Recently, the Public Employment Relations Board ruled in favor of Oakland Unified teachers’ pre-impasse protest strike, which was organized in response to proposed school closures. This decision underscores the ongoing tension between educators and district administration regarding school consolidation efforts. Additionally, the upcoming Oakland City Council election is seeing significant campaign contributions that are expected to shape future education policies, with candidates focusing on issues such as school funding, resource allocation, and community engagement.

In the Greater Bay Area |  In the West Contra Costa Unified School District, Stege Elementary School was closed due to severe disrepair, leading to plans for a $43 million rebuild to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students. In San Francisco, the SFUSD is preparing to release a list of school closures as a response to declining enrollment, a move that has sparked community concern and debate over the future of local schools. Meanwhile, San Jose State University has introduced a new early education teaching credential program aimed at addressing the shortage of qualified early childhood educators. Additionally, San Jose Unified School District is seeking voter approval for a $1.2 billion bond to fund improvements in school facilities and to develop housing for teachers, addressing both educational infrastructure needs and the high cost of living in the area.

Throughout the State of California |  State Superintendent Tony Thurmond has announced plans to develop up to 2.3 million affordable housing units for teachers on surplus school district land, aiming to alleviate the housing affordability crisis that impacts educators across the state. Despite an increase in transitional kindergarten enrollment, the overall percentage of eligible students enrolled in these programs has decreased, highlighting challenges in reaching and enrolling all eligible children. California is also making concerted efforts to rebuild its bilingual education programs following the passage of Proposition 58, which repealed previous restrictions on bilingual education. However, this initiative faces significant hurdles, including a persistent shortage of bilingual teachers, which hampers the implementation of effective bilingual programs.

Across the Nation |  The Supreme Court is set to review several major education cases in the coming term, with potential rulings that could significantly impact student loan relief, transgender student rights, and school choice measures. These cases could reshape national education policies and have far-reaching implications for students and educators. Vice President Kamala Harris has indicated a potential revival of her 2020 education proposals, which focus on increasing teacher pay, as part of a broader effort to address educational inequities and support the teaching profession. Additionally, new federal protections for transgender students have been introduced, but their enforcement is facing challenges due to ongoing legal battles and varying interpretations of the regulations across different states.

What did we miss?  Hit us up in the comments below: 

OAKLAND

These Oakland organizations are looking for volunteers to serve in schools this year

What’s happening: Oakland education organizations are urgently seeking volunteers to assist in schools as the new academic year approaches. Volunteer roles range from tutoring and mentoring to campus beautification and administrative support, with several organizations offering training and flexible schedules. Oakland Unified School District also has openings on its boards and commissions that need community members to join. Prospective volunteers can sign up for various programs and initiatives, with opportunities available throughout the school year.

Notable quote:  “For our kids going through a transition, having an adult who cares and is 1000% focused on them, even for an hour a week, is transformative,” said Beth Miller, Senior Director of Programs at Community Education Partnerships.

By Ashley McBride | The Oaklandside

D1, D3, at-large races in Oakland election see big money

What’s Happening: The 2024 Oakland City Council election features five seats: District 1, District 3, District 5, District 7, and the at-large seat, with candidates at various stages of fundraising.  As of the July 31 campaign contribution filing deadline, some candidates have significant financial backing. Zac Unger in District 1 leads with $166,789, while Warren Logan in District 3 has raised $100,164.

Why it matters: The Oakland City Council election outcomes matter because council members influence OUSD budget allocations, education policies, community investments, and collaborations with districts, all of which directly impact the quality and accessibility of local education.

By Oaklandside staff

In related coverage:  

  • A group of Oakland residents, led by former mayoral candidate Loren Taylor, is on a mission to educate voters on top city issues and elected leaders, so voters can make informed decisions at the ballot box this November By Betty Yu | KTVU FOX2 News

Public Employment Relations Board Provides Rare Overview of the Qualified Right to Strike in Context of Pre-Impasse “Protest” Strike

What to know: PERB summarized the statutory, qualified right to strike during a pre-impasse protest over Oakland Unified’s unilateral decision to close schools without required bargaining. The union’s one-day strike was held to protest the district’s failure to honor a nine-month negotiation period and was deemed protected due to the district’s unfair practices.

Why it matters: The ruling provides crucial clarity on the qualified right to strike under EERA and MMBA, helping both unions and employers navigate labor disputes and ensuring unions can protest unfair practices legally.  This decision reaffirms the unions’ statutory right to strike in response to employer misconduct and provides clear standards for evaluating the legality of protest strikes.

What’s next: PERB’s outlined standards will guide future determinations on whether a union’s pre-impasse strike is protected or constitutes bad faith bargaining.

Brief by Atkinson, Andelson, Loya & Romo Law Corporation

In other Oakland News…

THE BAY AREA

Community shocked at sewage, vermin and other ‘deplorable’ East Bay school conditions

What’s happening: West Contra Costa Unified School District closed Stege Elementary after discovering severe disrepair and safety hazards during summer repairs. Conditions at the 81-year-old school included sewage issues, vermin infestations, and fire safety violations, leading to a lawsuit from teachers and parents.

Why it matters: The crisis at Stege underscores broader issues of inequity and inadequate facility management within the district, prompting calls for reform and better compliance with state standards.  The closure has shocked the community, highlighting systemic issues in maintaining school facilities, especially in under-resourced areas serving low-income, non-white students.

What’s next: The district plans to rebuild Stege Elementary with a $43 million budget for critical needs, while community members demand immediate improvements and accountability.

Notable quote:  “Everybody in this room knew this was happening, but the presentation shows the lies that have been sent to the state and to the community.” – Scottie Smith, community advocate

By Katie Lauer | Mercury News Group

Anxiety builds over S.F. school closures. Here’s when SFUSD will release the list

What to Know: SFUSD will release a list of schools slated for closure in mid-September due to declining enrollment and budget issues. The district is considering closures across all neighborhoods and school levels, including popular and high-performing schools, with the aim of addressing fiscal challenges and improving resource allocation.

Why it matters:  The district’s move to close schools aims to balance the budget and ensure remaining schools are adequately staffed and resourced, amid concerns that closures could further decrease enrollment and funding. School closures, driven by a projected 5,000-student loss by 2030, will impact families and potentially lead to increased public protests and emotional distress.

What’s next:  Following the release of the closure list, the district will hold informational sessions and gather feedback before a final board vote in December.

Notable quote:  “Ensuring that every student gets what they need to succeed is my top priority… making changes that have been long overdue.” –  Matt Wayne, SFUSD Superintendent 

By Jill Tucker | San Francisco Chronicle

San Jose State to offer one of the first early education teaching credential programs

What’s happening: San Jose State University launches a new PK-3 teaching credential this fall to address early education staffing shortages.  The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing established this program to meet increasing early education needs and align with new state laws.

Why it matters: The credential supports California’s $2.7 billion transitional kindergarten initiative, designed to offer universal preschool but facing staffing challenges.  This credential aims to build a specialized workforce to support the state’s expansive transitional kindergarten program & ensure quality early education.

What’s next: SJSU’s first PK-3 cohort begins in fall, with applications open for the 2nd cohort starting in spring.

Notable quote:  “This specialized workforce of teachers will reflect the students they serve and will be empowered to make a lasting impact.” – Mary Vixie Sandy, Executive Director, California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

By Molly Gibbs | Bay Area News Group

San Jose school bond could fund teacher housing

What’s happening: San Jose Unified School District is seeking voter approval for a nearly $1.2 billion bond to improve facilities and build teacher housing. The bond, set for the November 5 ballot, would levy a tax of $60 per $100,000 of property value and aims to address aging infrastructure and support affordable housing for teachers.

Why it matters: The bond is crucial for upgrading outdated facilities, enhancing school safety, and addressing the high cost of living that drives teachers away from the district.

What’s next: The bond measure needs 55% voter approval to pass, and a $10 billion state bond for school improvements is also on the ballot.

Notable quotes:  “If we’re able to build employee housing, we would be able to offer those units at far below market rates.” – Renata Sanchez, President, San Jose Teachers Association 

By Lorraine Gabbert | San José Spotlight

In related coverage:  

In other Bay Area News…

THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Tony Thurmond seeks to build millions of affordable housing units for California teachers 

What’s happening: California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond plans to build up to 2.3 million affordable housing units for teachers using surplus school district land. The Los Angeles Unified School District has successfully built affordable housing for staff and is now exploring eight new sites for additional projects.

Why it matters: Recent state legislation has simplified the process for converting school land into housing and increased tax credits for affordable housing, helping districts overcome previous hurdles. Thurmond’s initiative aims to tackle the dual crises of teacher shortages and high housing costs, improving recruitment and retention of educators.

What’s next: Thurmond will host a housing summit on August 14 to support school districts in developing similar projects across the state.

Notable quotes:  “Building educator housing helps districts work through staffing shortages that threaten the success of our students.” – Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent | “Taking the land that we have and the housing need that we face, and creating affordable housing for our workforce, just seems like a real no brainer.” – Nick Melvoin, LAUSD Board Member

By Clara Harter | East Bay Times

In related coverage:  

California added a new grade for 4-year-olds. Are parents enrolling their kids?

What to Know: California’s transitional kindergarten (TK) program has seen a rise in the total number of 4-year-olds enrolled, but the percentage of eligible children participating has decreased. Despite an increase from 75,000 to 151,000 enrolled students over two years, the proportion of eligible students enrolled dropped by 4 to 7 percentage points. TK, introduced in 2010 and expanded in 2021 to include all 4-year-olds by 2025-26, aims to prepare children for kindergarten through play-based learning. Challenges include uneven rollout across districts, particularly in wealthier “basic aid” districts, and competition with existing preschool programs.

What’s next: Efforts to increase TK enrollment include outreach campaigns and addressing logistical issues, such as facility space and teacher qualifications. The state is also considering a $10 billion bond to support TK classroom construction.

Notable quotes:  “The trends we see in the percentages of eligible students whose families are enrolling in TK mirror the trends described by (CalMatters’) data set.” – Elizabeth Sanders, US Department of Education spokesperson |“TK is a great option for families, but it’s good for kids, too. Kids need to be around other kids.” – Patricia Lozano, executive director of Early Edge California |  “If there’s little difference between preschool and TK, why should a parent move their child to TK? It doesn’t make a lot of sense.” – Roslyn Broadnax, parent in South Los Angeles

By Carolyn Jones & Erica Ye | Cal Matters

In California, rebuilding bilingual education in schools after an 18-year ban

What’s happening: California is rebuilding its bilingual education system after an 18-year ban that ended in 2016 with Proposition 58, which had previously mandated English-only instruction. Although the ban’s end aimed to revive bilingual education and support multilingualism, challenges like a shortage of bilingual teachers and slow growth in dual language immersion (DLI) programs persist. The state aims to have 1,600 DLI programs by 2030, but progress is lagging.

Why it matters: Public opinion supports bilingual education, especially among Latino families, and it is crucial for California’s diverse student population and global economic role. The return to bilingual programs is intended to boost language skills and academic success, but significant obstacles remain.

What’s next: Efforts are ongoing to expand bilingual education through new programs and grants. Schools like Camino Nuevo Charter Academy and Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School are successful models, but more bilingual educators and better strategies are needed to meet state goals.

Notable quote:  “I don’t want to talk down the district’s schools, they also teach well, but their big mistake was cutting bilingual education…two languages are worth so much.” – Maribel Martinez, parent

By Conor Williams | LA School Report

In other California News…

City & County Roundup:

ACROSS THE NATION

Student loans, transgender protections: Supreme Court set to take up major education cases

What’s happening: The Supreme Court is set to review major education-related cases, including potentially President Biden’s student loan plan, transgender student policies, and school choice measures, potentially reshaping U.S. education.  The Court could examine Biden’s SAVE plan for student loans, which adjusts income protection and repayment terms. Additionally, it will address policies on transgender student participation in sports and parental notification about name or pronoun changes.

Why it matters: The Supreme Court’s recent conservative leanings are likely to result in rulings that could limit federal authority on student loan relief, impose stricter regulations on transgender student rights, and expand school choice options, potentially reshaping U.S. education policy. Additional cases include a lawsuit against Attorney General Merrick Garland over school board meeting policies and a challenge to Boston’s admissions plan for selective schools, focusing on race-based criteria.

What’s next: The Court’s rulings will determine the future of student loan repayment policies, transgender student rights, and the legality of school choice measures, with potential broad implications for public education and student rights.

Notable quote:  “California’s law on transgender student privacy and parental notification reflects broader debates on student rights and parental control in education.” – Izzy Gardon, Spokesperson for Gov. Gavin Newsom

By Lexi Lonas | The Hill

Harris could set Democrats’ K–12 agenda by reviving ideas from 2020

What’s happening: Presidential candidate Kamala Harris recently addressed the American Federation of Teachers, emphasizing her commitment to defending labor rights and increasing teacher pay. Her speech, supported by Democratic endorsements and significant donations, hints at her potential education policy focus.  In her 2020 campaign, Harris proposed a $315 billion plan to boost teacher salaries and close the pay gap between educators and other similarly educated professionals, reflecting a strong focus on improving teacher compensation.

Why it matters: Reviving her 2020 proposals could significantly shape K-12 education reform under a Harris presidency, potentially leading to enhanced teacher support and new educational policies.

What’s next: Harris will decide if she will advance bold education reforms or continue the Biden administration’s current approach, which includes pandemic relief and student loan forgiveness but lacks a comprehensive educational overhaul.

Notable quote:  “You’ve got Republicans, who have moved away from public education reform into just talking about private school choice, and the Democrats are mostly just talking about more money…  That does leave a lot of the playing field open.” – Michael Petrilli, President Thomas B. Fordham Institute

By Kevin Mahnken | LA School Report

Federal protections of transgender students are launching where courts haven’t blocked them

What’s happening: New federal protections for transgender students, including safeguards under Title IX, will take effect on August 1, but their impact is muted due to court-blocked enforcement in 21 states and hundreds of schools and colleges.

What else to know: The regulation expands protections for transgender students, pregnant students, and students who are parents, and includes measures for handling sexual misconduct complaints. Enforcement remains uncertain due to ongoing legal challenges and varying state rulings.

Why it matters: The patchwork enforcement of the new rules has created confusion and potential inequality in how schools address transgender students’ needs, impacting their access to facilities and protections.

The bigger picture: The fragmented implementation underscores ongoing tensions around LGBTQ+ rights in education and highlights the struggles faced by transgender students in states with restrictive policies.

What’s next: The Department of Justice is seeking Supreme Court approval to enforce parts of the rule not challenged by states, while schools navigate compliance with differing sets of rules based on their location.

Notable quotes: “What not having federal protection does is, it makes it seem like my issues are not real issues.” – |  Kaemo Mainard O’Connell, transgender and nonbinary high school senior  |  “If you can’t meaningfully participate in the educational systems as your true self, you’re not going to be able to thrive.” – Caius Willingham, senior policy advocate at the National Center for Transgender Equality

By Andrew DeMillo, Geoff Mulvihill and Hannah Schoenbaum | The Associated Press

In other National News…

In Related Coverage:  

City and State Roundup:

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