The Oakland Ed Week in Review 8/10/24-7/16/24 

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 schools face dual crises: high lead levels in water at numerous sites prompt health and transparency concerns, while a looming $145 million budget shortfall threatens school closures. Teachers, struggling with Proposition 13 funding cuts, turn to crowdfunding for essential supplies.

In the Greater Bay Area |   San Jose districts confront declining enrollment and budget cuts, leading to possible campus closures. Berkeley Unified starts the year amid relocation disruptions and budget strains. A study shows early trauma therapy can reduce long-term health issues, highlighting the need for mental health support in schools.

Throughout the State of California |  California’s new laws mandate climate change education, enhance menstrual product access, and require transparency in college costs. Additionally, districts are urged to use surplus land for affordable teacher housing. Cajon Valley’s policy on gender identity disclosure faces legal challenges as new state protections take effect.

Across the Nation |  The Supreme Court blocks new federal rules protecting transgender students, creating uncertainty in school policies. Chronic absenteeism remains high, with efforts like lunchtime sports emerging to address it. Education reform debates continue, contrasting potential changes under presidential candidates

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

OAKLAND

Elevated lead levels found in water at a ‘significant number’ of OUSD schools

What to know: Elevated lead levels have been detected in water at over a dozen Oakland Unified School District schools, raising serious health concerns.  Families and teachers demand transparency given delayed action and previous contamination issues at other district schools.

How it impacts students: The delay in addressing lead contamination may result in long-lasting health and educational challenges for affected students.

What’s next: OUSD Superintendent will provide a full report on the situation at the upcoming school board meeting, with a promise of transparency and ongoing testing.

Notable quotes:  “This delay on the part of OUSD is negligent… it will impact the health of our children for years to come.” – Ella Every-Wortman, Teacher at Frick Academy | “There’s clearly a trust gap on this issue, given the history at McClymonds.” – Nate Landry, OUSD Parent

By Ashley McBride | Oaklandside

In related coverage:  

OUSD faces budget challenges as new school year begins

What to know: Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) begins the new school year facing a looming budget crisis, with deficits expected to reach $145 million by 2026.  The district may need to close or consolidate smaller schools to manage budget constraints as COVID-19 emergency funds have expired, sparking potential public controversy.

Why it matters (to K-12 education): Budget shortfalls could limit the district’s ability to maintain or improve facilities, impacting the quality of education and resources available to students. Persistent absenteeism and achievement gaps, especially among students of color, are exacerbating financial challenges, further threatening educational outcomes.

What’s next: The district is exploring cost-saving measures, including school closures, while emphasizing the importance of student attendance to secure state funding and improve academic performance.

Notable quotes:  “Large districts like us need to make some significant changes just to recognize that federal funding and state funding is no longer present.” – Sam Davis, OUSD Board President

 |  “Absenteeism is contributing not just to diminished revenues, but also to a huge achievement gap.” – Kimi Kean, Founder of Families In Action

By John Ramos  | CBS Bay Area News

In related coverage:  

With Oakland schools back, teachers could use your help | Since its passage in 1978, Proposition 13 has resulted in funding shortfalls in less affluent districts

What is happening: California teachers are resorting to online fundraising to cover basic classroom supplies due to underfunding exacerbated by Proposition 13’s property tax cap. Teachers from various Oakland schools are seeking donations for essentials like books, markers, and snacks to support their students’ learning environments.

Why it matters:  Proposition 13’s long-term effects continue to cripple public school funding, forcing educators to seek external support for essentials that should be provided by the school system. Students’ access to quality education is compromised, as teachers struggle to provide even the most basic materials, affecting their overall learning experience.  This situation highlights the ongoing inequities in school funding, particularly in less affluent neighborhoods where parents can’t offset budget shortfalls.

What’s next: Without significant changes in education funding, more teachers may turn to crowdsourcing to meet their classroom needs, perpetuating inequities in educational resources.

Notable quote:  “Imagination knows no bounds, but unfortunately, our supplies do.” – Ms. Matte, fourth- and fifth-grade teacher at Redwood Heights Elementary School.

By Martin Snapp | East Bay Times

In other Oakland News:   

THE BAY AREA

Bay Area Study Finds Early Childhood Trauma Therapy Can Prevent Serious Disease | KQED

What to know: A Bay Area study reveals that child-parent psychotherapy can prevent serious diseases by slowing cellular aging in children who have experienced trauma. Children who received therapy showed a slower epigenetic clock, indicating reduced biological aging compared to those who didn’t receive treatment.

Why it matters: The findings emphasize the importance of incorporating mental health services in early childhood education to address trauma and its effects on learning and development. Early intervention in childhood trauma not only benefits psychological health but also enhances long-term physical well-being, potentially reducing future health-related educational disruptions. The study highlights the critical need for policies supporting mental health interventions as part of pediatric care, aiming to break the cycle of trauma and prevent future chronic diseases.

What’s next: With evidence supporting the biological benefits of child-parent psychotherapy, there’s a growing push for broader access and funding for such interventions in early childhood care.

Notable quote:  “Intervening on trauma early in life can have a really positive impact on children and their families.” – Nicki Bush, UCSF Psychiatry and Pediatrics Professor 

By Daisy Nguyen | KQED

As student enrollment falls, San Jose school districts forced to consider campus closures

What’s going on: San Jose school districts, particularly Berryessa Union School District (BUSD), are grappling with declining enrollment and severe budget cuts, potentially leading to campus closures. The BUSD has seen a 22% drop in enrollment since 2014, prompting the formation of a task force to strategize for $6 million in funding reductions, with a plan expected by October 16.

Why it matters: Declining student numbers directly impact funding, reducing resources available for educational programs, support staff, and facility maintenance, which could degrade the quality of education. The situation reflects a broader trend of declining enrollments and financial challenges, exacerbated by the loss of one-time pandemic funding and increasing living costs.  School consolidations may result in students being relocated to different campuses, which would disrupt their learning environment and potentially reduce the quality of education provided.

What’s next: Districts like BUSD and Alum Rock Union School District are engaging in public processes to plan for potential closures and budget cuts, with decisions expected in the coming months.

Notable quotes:  “We know we will get through this challenging and unavoidable process and will work to not only maintain, but improve the quality of the education our students receive.” – Kevin Franklin, BUSD Chief Business Officer |  “Young families and people with kids can no longer afford to move into this area.” – David Cohen, San Jose Councilmember and former BUSD board member

By Vicente Vera | San Jose Spotlight

Berkeley Unified School District classes start this week as shuttered middle school brings upheaval 

What’s Happening: BUSD is beginning the new school year amid challenges, including budget cuts and displacement due to campus closures, but there are also positive developments such as anticipated enrollment increases and new voting opportunities for teens. Longfellow Middle School students will relocate to Berkeley Adult School due to building damage, causing disruptions for both middle and adult learners.

Why it matters: The increase in enrollment signals a potential recovery from pandemic-related declines, but budget constraints continue to strain resources, affecting the district’s ability to maintain facilities and staff.  The temporary relocation of Longfellow students may disrupt learning environments, and budget cuts could hinder the district’s ability to deliver quality education and support services.

What’s next: The district will focus on implementing its first-ever strategic plan to improve academic outcomes and continue to address the logistical challenges of school relocations.

Notable quotes:  “Our focus must be on the delivery of rigorous, responsive, and engaging instruction that fosters a love of learning.” – Ford Morthel, BUSD Leader  | “Because of the way that project is being funded, any delay would cancel that project.” – John Calise, BUSD Assistant Superintendent for Facilities

By Annie Sciacca | Berkeleyside

In related coverage:  

In other Bay Area News:   

THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Despite new state law, Southern California school district adopts gender parental-notification policy 

What’s happening: Cajon Valley Union School District has adopted a policy requiring school administrators to inform parents if students under 12 change their gender identity or presentation. This decision challenges a newly signed California state law prohibiting such disclosures without the student’s consent.  The new policy also includes parental rights to review school curricula and challenge library books, but the focus is on the controversial gender notification requirement. The policy includes exceptions if school officials believe the student may face abuse or harm.

Why it matters: The policy has sparked concerns among parents, teacher unions, and LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue it could lead to forced outings and put vulnerable students at risk, potentially creating a hostile school environment. The policy may inhibit students’ ability to safely explore their gender identity, leading to legal challenges and concerns about the protection of students’ privacy rights.

What’s next: California’s new law, effective January 1, will invalidate any school district policies that require disclosure of a student’s gender identity without consent. This sets the stage for potential legal battles as districts like Cajon Valley seek to navigate and potentially challenge the new law.

Notable quotes:  “Children have the right to come out to us and to anyone when they are ready to do so.” – Terrie Vorono, past president of PFLAG San Diego County |  “We’re looking at every option so that we’re not violating the law and protecting the district, but also asking the right questions.” – Andrew Hayes, chair of the Lakeside Unified School District board and state Assembly candidate

By Jerry Wu | The San Diego Union-Tribune | Via East Bay Times

New laws impacting education go into effect as the school year begins

What’s happening: New laws are taking effect this school year in California. The legislation includes requirements for climate change education, expanded access to menstrual products in elementary schools, and changes to transitional kindergarten. Other laws aim to increase transparency about college costs, exempt transitional kindergartners from English proficiency tests, and adjust mental health care consent rules for students. 

Impact on students:  

  • Climate Change Instruction: Ensures all students from grades 1-12 learn about climate change.
  • Menstrual Products: Provides necessary hygiene products to younger students, reducing stigma and addressing period poverty.
  • Transitional Kindergarten Expansion: Adds more 4-year-olds to early education programs, potentially improving early learning outcomes.
  • College Cost Transparency: Helps students better budget for their education by disclosing course material costs.
  • Mental Health Care: Allows older students on Medi-Cal to consent to mental health treatment, aiming to improve access to care.
  • Suspension Policy: Aims to reduce disparities and prevent punitive measures for non-compliance behaviors.
  • LGBTQ+ Protections: Protects LGBTQ+ students’ privacy and rights, preventing schools from disclosing their gender identity without consent.

Why it matters: These laws are designed to address various aspects of student life and education, including mental health, inclusivity, and educational content. They aim to improve student support and ensure equitable access to resources.

What’s next: Schools will need to implement these new requirements and adapt their policies accordingly. The impact of these laws will likely be monitored over the coming months and years to assess their effectiveness and address any implementation challenges.

Notable quotes:  “Climate change is no longer a future problem waiting for us to act upon — it is already here.” – Assemblymember Luz Rivas | “The new law is about making sure all young people have access to mental health resources.” – Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo 

By Diana Lambert, Zaidee Stavely, Emma Gallegos, Mallika Seshadri, And Amy DiPierro | Ed SOurce

California is giving schools more homework: Build housing for teachers

What’s happening: California is urging school districts to use surplus property to build affordable housing for teachers and school staff, with state incentives and workshops to support these efforts. The push follows findings that school districts hold enough land to address California’s housing shortage, alongside existing laws and potential new funding sources like Proposition 2, a $10 billion bond for school facilities.  

Why it matters: The initiative could alleviate housing costs for teachers, potentially improving retention and recruitment in districts struggling with high turnover and affordability issues. While some districts have successfully implemented housing projects, others face challenges due to financial constraints, district size, and existing workloads, raising concerns about the feasibility and fairness of this approach. 

What’s next: Interest in teacher housing is growing, with 152 districts already exploring options, though some experts question whether this focus is the best use of resources given other pressing educational needs.

Notable quotes:  “I feel like educators are being asked to solve so many problems… and now the housing crisis? It’s too much.” – Mendocino County Superintendent Nicole Glentzer |  “We need to explore all possible solutions. Along with salaries and benefits, expanding workforce housing is one of those options.” – Kyle Weinberg, San Diego Unified teachers union head

By Carolyn Jones | Cal Matters

In related coverage:  

In other California News…

City & County Roundup:

ACROSS THE NATION

Supreme Court blocks Biden administration rules against sex discrimination in schools

What’s happening: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked the Biden administration’s new rules against sex discrimination in schools receiving federal aid, leaving the entire rules package unenforceable in 10 states.  The lower court’s broad decisions were largely due to legal challenges against provisions aimed at protecting transgender students, which prompted the Supreme Court’s involvement.

Why it matters: The ruling delays important protections for transgender students and others, affecting how schools manage sexual harassment, pregnancy, and other issues. The inability to implement these rules could leave students and employees without enhanced protections against sex-based discrimination, particularly in states with ongoing challenges.

The bigger picture: The legal battle highlights the ongoing tension between federal anti-discrimination policies and states’ rights, with the Supreme Court likely to ultimately decide the fate of these provisions.

What’s next: Challenges to the transgender protections in the rules continue in multiple states, and the Supreme Court may need to address these issues in future rulings.

Notable quotes: “The lower court’s blunderbuss approach…is both wrong and consequential.” – Elizabeth Prelogar, Solicitor General | “Those provisions raise important issues that will be litigated on appeal and that may well require this court’s resolution in the ordinary course.” – Elizabeth Prelogar, Solicitor General

By Nina Totenberg & Jordan Thomas | NPR

In related coverage:  

Schools have made slow progress on record absenteeism, with millions of kids still skipping class

What to know: Schools across the U.S. continue to struggle with chronic absenteeism, with about 12 million students missing significant class time.  Innovative strategies, such as lunchtime sports and financial incentives, have emerged in some districts to combat high absenteeism rates. While absenteeism rates remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, states are beginning to see slight improvements as schools adapt to students’ needs.

Why it matters: Chronic absenteeism can lead to severe educational consequences, including lower literacy rates and increased dropout rates among students.Many students are missing essential meals, counseling, and socialization, impacting their overall well-being and academic performance.

What’s next: Schools will need to continue developing creative solutions and address underlying issues like mental health to further reduce absenteeism.

Notable quotes:  “It gave me something to look forward to.” – Flerentin “Flex” Jean-Baptiste, Medford High School student. | “You feel more disengaged if you continue to stay home from school.” – Hedy Chang, Attendance Works.

By Jocelyn Gecker, Bianca Vasquez Toness & Sharon Lurye | Associated Press News

COMPARE & CONTRAST |  What do the candidates want for your kids?

What education could look like under Trump and Vance…

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, are persistent critics of public K-12 schools and higher education and want to overhaul many aspects of how the institutions operate.  The former president and his running mate hope to restructure early education, K-12 schools and the nation’s colleges and universities, if elected

By Sarah Butrymowicz, Ariel Gilreath, Meredith Kolodner, Jackie Mader, Neal Morton, Caroline Preston, Javeria Salman, Christina A. Samuels, Olivia Sanchez, Nirvi Shah | Hechinger Report

What education could look like under Harris and Walz…

Harris and Walz have been endorsed by the country’s two largest teachers unions, the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, which tend to support Democratic candidates.  The candidates aspire to cut the cost of child care, boost support for public K-12 schools and expand access to higher education. By Sarah Butrymowicz, Ariel Gilreath, Meredith Kolodner, Jackie Mader, Neal Morton, Caroline Preston, Javeria Salman, Christina A. Samuels, Olivia Sanchez, Nirvi Shah | Hechinger Report

In related coverage:  

In other National News…

City and State Roundup:

Report: Milwaukee school enrollment down, students still behind By Ben Yount | Chalkboard News

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