The Oakland Ed Week in Review 8/25/24-8/30/24 

As we start of a new school year, with Labor Day marking a time of transition, let’s embrace the opportunities ahead with optimism and unity. To our educators: Your dedication shapes the future, and your resilience makes a difference in the lives of every student you teach. Parents: Your involvement is vital—your partnership with schools will help create a nurturing and supportive environment for your child’s learning. Policy makers: Your decisions lay the foundation for educational equity and opportunity. Let’s work together to ensure every child has the chance to thrive in this new academic year.

Enjoy your Labor Day, and here’s to a great year ahead!

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 Unified School District (OUSD) Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell has secured a contract extension through 2027. Meanwhile, families and teachers are demanding accountability after OUSD delayed informing them about lead contamination in school drinking water. At McClymonds High School, alumna Darielle Davis steps in as the new principa.

In the Greater Bay Area |  San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) faces protests over staffing shortages and potential school closures. Meanwhile, Antioch Unified School District has terminated Superintendent Stephanie Anello following bullying allegations.

Throughout the State of California |  In state news, California lawmakers have postponed a bill aimed at preventing antisemitic content in ethnic studies courses. A recent report raised concerns after revealing that $4 billion was spent on students no longer attending public schools. On the legislative front, new laws will limit cellphone use in K-12 schools by 2026, while a separate bill seeks to grant teachers more discretion in involving police in school incidents. St. Hope students in Sacramento are advocating for the renewal of their charter school, while LAUSD continues to struggle with chronic absenteeism in the wake of the pandemic. In Silicon Valley, cellphone restrictions are being implemented in schools, mirroring a broader state trend..

Across the Nation | Despite reforms, Black students continue to face disproportionately high rates of suspension and expulsion\. A new study highlights that teacher strikes are effective in raising pay and reducing class sizes, even in states where strikes are prohibited. Efforts are underway to update outdated data on special education costs essential for future funding decisions. Head Start programs still rely on a 1970s-era funding formula, leading to significant disparities in access across states. In our City & State Roundup: Tennessee makes headlines for expelling a 10-year-old under its ‘zero tolerance’ law, while Memphis faces a federal review over allegations of sexual harassment. In Florida, education officials are clashing with the teachers union over vacancy data. Charleston’s Black students are facing higher suspension rates, and New York City is seeing a rise in student bullying, coupled with growing dissatisfaction with school leadership. Colorado may need to revise its graduation requirements due to declining SAT scores. Montgomery’s new superintendent is aiming for a district-wide reset, while Michigan is pushing to dismiss a civil rights case. In other news, major publishers are suing Florida over banned school library books, and Arkansas’ Attorney General has rejected a proposed education amendment for the 2026 ballot.

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

OAKLAND

Oakland superintendent commits to leading district through 2027

What’s Happening: OUSD Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell received a new contract extension through 2027, positioning her to become the longest-serving superintendent since 1962. A Oakland native and longtime educator, has led OUSD through significant challenges, including financial crises, teacher strikes, and pandemic disruptions, while stabilizing the district’s financial footing.

Why it matters: Her leadership has been credited with steadying the district through tumultuous times, and this contract renewal reflects the board’s confidence in her ability to guide OUSD through upcoming budgetary and restructuring decisions.

What’s next: As Johnson-Trammell works to prepare OUSD for future leadership transitions, the district faces the challenge of balancing employee wage increases with budget constraints.

Notable quotes: “She steadied the ship through all of those rough times.” – Mike Hutchinson, District 4 Director | “The priority should be on our workers first, making sure they’ve got a living wage.” – VanCedric Williams, District 3 Director

By Ashley McBride | The Oaklandside

‘OUSD has failed at its most basic job’: Families, teachers demand answers on lead

What to know: OUSD delayed informing school communities about lead contamination in their water for months, causing alarm and distrust among families and staff. District leaders acknowledged the communication failure, apologized, and committed to taking corrective actions, including conducting a personnel investigation and making information more transparent.

What’s next: OUSD will implement a comprehensive testing schedule, continue repairs, and launch a public water quality dashboard by January 2024 to keep the community informed.

Notable quotes: “OUSD has failed at its most basic job of not poisoning our students.” — Stuart Loebl, 6th-grade teacher, Frick United Academy of Language | “This mistake has caused families stress, anxiety, and panic, further limiting our community’s trust.” — Max Simmons, OUSD student director

By Ashley McBride | The Oaklandside

In Related Coverage…

Can a familiar face turn things around for McClymonds High School?

What to know: New principal Darielle Davis, a McClymonds High alum, is determined to adapt her alma mater to West Oakland’s changing demographics while preserving its strong Black cultural roots. McClymonds faces significant challenges, including declining enrollment and competition from charter schools, despite its deep community ties and historic importance in Oakland.

What It matters: Davis’ leadership is seen as a crucial turning point for McClymonds, as she represents the district’s “grow your own” philosophy, which aims to uplift local educators of color into leadership positions. 

What’s next: Davis will need to address the declining enrollment and keep McClymonds competitive, especially as more families opt for charter schools or other public schools outside the neighborhood.

Notable quote:  “I wanted McClymonds to have the principal that was the best for the school.” – Darielle Davis, Principal

By Ashley McBride | The Oaklandside

In other Oakland News:   

THE BAY AREA

As San Francisco school closures loom, rally participants decry lack of classroom staffing

What to know: SFUSD faces severe staffing shortages and possible school closures, leading to protests by teachers, students, and parents at a recent Board of Education meeting. The slow and inefficient hiring process is exacerbating the shortage, with many teaching positions left unfilled and candidates dropping out due to bureaucratic delays.

Why it matters: The district’s struggles highlight the need for more effective hiring practices and transparent communication around school closures, influencing future education policy reforms. Staffing shortages and looming school closures threaten to further destabilize an already struggling district, affecting the quality of education and heightening anxiety among families, with potential long-term effects on educational equity

What’s next: SFUSD is expected to present a more detailed plan for school closures on September 18, though concerns remain about whether closures will truly benefit students.

Notable quotes: “It’s just not acceptable to not have staff in our classrooms for our kids.” — Matt Alexander, SFUSD Board President | “Parents need transparency. We need to be partners in this process.” — Rionda Batiste, SFUSD parent

By Alise Maripuu | Bay City News via Local News Matters

In Related Coverage:

Antioch Unified School District board terminates superintendent

What to know: The AUSD Board voted unanimously to immediately terminate Superintendent Stephanie Anello’s contract following accusations of ignoring employee complaints about workplace bullying and intimidation. Anello had been on leave since April after allegations surfaced that she protected a friend of her husband, who was accused of bullying and harassment.

Why it matters: Anello’s firing highlights the district’s ongoing struggle with leadership accountability and workplace safety concerns, which have disrupted focus on student welfare and education quality. Her departure leaves the district in need of strong leadership during a time of community unrest, as officials decide on a permanent replacement for the superintendent role.

What’s next: The AUSD Board will convene to determine whether to promote acting Superintendent Robert A. Martinez or conduct a broader search for a permanent superintendent to stabilize district leadership.

Notable quotes:  “She should have done the right thing from the beginning.” – Brian Atkinson, President of California School Employees Association, Chapter 85

By Hema Sivanandam | Mercury News | Bay Area News Group

In other Bay Area News:   

THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

California bill adding “guardrails” to mandated ethnic studies courses pushed to next year

What’s Happening: A California bill, AB 2918, designed to prevent antisemitic content in mandated high school ethnic studies courses, has been delayed until next year due to opposition from teachers’ unions, faculty, and civil rights groups who view it as censorship. 

Why it matters: Ethnic studies in California has sparked debates over balancing educational goals with concerns of bias. This bill could shape how ethnic studies is taught statewide, influencing both content and censorship concerns.

What’s next: Legislators will use the extra time to refine the bill with input from educators and community groups, aiming for broader support and passage next year.

Notable quote: “We want to make sure that ethnic studies is something that uplifts all students.” — Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur

By Molly Gibbs | East Bay Times | Bay Area New Group

In Related Coverage: 

Report: California spent $4 billion on ‘ghost’ students no longer attending school in their districts

What to know: A new Reason Foundation report reveals that California spent $4 billion on students no longer attending district schools due to “hold harmless” policies protecting funding amid declining enrollment. For the 2022-23 school year, 85% of California’s 931 school districts received funding for about 400,000 students who weren’t actually in their classrooms.

Why it matters: The policies raise concerns about the effectiveness of California’s funding formula and prompt calls for reevaluating how school funds are tied to actual attendance. Critics argue that these policies misallocate scarce education dollars, diverting funds from schools facing real-time needs and straining state budgets.

What’s next: Declining enrollment in California schools is part of a broader statewide trend, with projections showing further decreases that could exacerbate funding challenges. Policymakers may reconsider “hold harmless” policies as schools prepare for a financially strained future, with calls for aligning funding more closely with current student counts.

Notable quotes:  “If you’re going to fund public schools… tie dollars to students.” – Aaron Smith, Reason Foundation | “Declines continue… the timeline has just kind of shifted back by a year or two.” – Julian Lafortune, Public Policy Institute of California

By Molly Gibbs | East Bay Times | Bay Area New Group

When should police be involved at school? A California bill would let teachers make the call

What’s Happening: A new California bill proposes allowing teachers more discretion in deciding when to report students to law enforcement, addressing concerns about disproportionate discipline among disabled and minority students.Opponents argue that the bill could compromise school safety, particularly in situations involving drug possession, and worry it could lead to the elimination of school resource officers

The bigger picture: The bill is part of a broader discussion about decriminalizing school discipline and addressing racial and disability disparities in school arrests, set against the backdrop of increasing public concern over crime and education policies. If passed, the bill could significantly alter discipline policies, encouraging restorative justice approaches over criminalization, potentially reducing the involvement of police in student misconduct cases.

What’s next: Legislators are set to decide on the bill’s fate as it approaches the final week of the session, with supporters hoping it will pass the Senate and reach the governor’s desk.

Notable quotes:  “This bill is really a turning point in addressing issues around school climate.” – Oscar Lopez, Associate Managing Attorney, Disability Rights California | “Removing this requirement of reporting is just unbelievable to me at this point in time.” – Brian Jones, Senate GOP Leader

By Jenna Peterson | Cal Matters

California passes bill to limit student cellphone use on K-12 campuses

What to know: Assembly Bill 3216, known as the Phone-Free School Act, which mandates that all school districts, charter schools, and county education offices in the state implement policies restricting student smartphone use during school hours by July 1, 2026.  The legislation includes exceptions for emergencies, medical needs, and special education accommodations.

Why it matters: This legislation reflects a growing trend across the U.S. to limit the presence of smartphones in schools, as concerns about their impact on student well-being and learning intensify.

What’s next: School districts will now be required to create and enforce smartphone usage policies, with some opting for methods like locked pouches or cellphone hotels to keep devices out of students’ hands during school hours. School districts will need to engage stakeholders and update policies every five years.

Notable quotes: “We’re tackling a critical issue for student well-being,” – Governor Gavin Newsom. | “Smartphone addiction must be curbed to improve student outcomes,” – Assemblymember Josh Hoover.

By Diana Lambert | Ed Source

In other California News…

City & County Roundup:

ACROSS THE NATION

Black students are still kicked out of school at higher rates despite reforms 

What to know: Black students continue to face disproportionately high rates of suspension and expulsion, despite education reforms aimed at reducing racial disparities in school discipline. Although reforms have made incremental progress, Black students still receive harsher punishments than their white peers for similar behaviors. These disparities fuel the school-to-prison pipeline, leading to disengagement from school and lower academic outcomes.

Why it matters: The persistence of racial bias in school discipline perpetuates long-term educational and societal inequities, disproportionately affecting Black students and pushing them out of the classroom. Federal and state policies addressing racial disparities in school discipline have seen mixed results. While some districts have adopted restorative justice practices, calls for stricter discipline and increased police presence in schools have resurfaced.

The bigger picture: The racial reckoning that fueled the Black Lives Matter movement also brought attention to the disparities in school discipline. Yet, these disparities remain deeply entrenched, requiring ongoing advocacy and policy change to ensure equitable education for all students.

Notable quotes:  “If you’re not in school, then what are you doing?” — Terry Landry Jr., Louisiana Policy Director, Southern Poverty Law Center | “None of us should be punished for one mistake.” — Zaire Byrd, a student impacted by harsh discipline policies

By Annie Ma, Cheyanne mumphrey & Sharon LuryeAssociated Press

Do Teacher Strikes Increase Pay?

What to know: A New Study by University at Albany highlights that teacher strikes have become more common and effective, even in states where they’re illegal. The study reveals an 8% average wage increase for teachers after strikes and reduced class sizes.

Why it matters: Strikes signal broader systemic issues, prompting state-level funding increases, not just local budget adjustments.

The bigger picture: The data shows strikes in states that ban them still achieve similar wage gains and class size reductions.Teacher strikes, while brief, often address wider issues like school funding and teacher compensation beyond immediate disputes. Teacher strikes may increase in states where they are currently prohibited, affecting education policy and funding.

Notable quotes: “The nature of teacher strikes and the way the public sees them has shifted,” – Melissa Lyon, University at Albany. | “One of the major functions of teacher strikes is the broader importance of the public signal,” – Melissa Lyon, University at Albany.

By Sarah D. Sparks | Ed Week

How Much Does Special Education Truly Cost? Finally, an Answer Is on the Horizon

What to know: A new study aims to update 25-year-old data on special education costs nationwide.The $5.2 million study will examine spending for about 1,200 districts, publishing results in 2028.

Why it matters: Special education costs have likely grown, but data gaps hinder understanding and effective allocation of resources. Current data on special education costs is outdated, impacting funding and policy decisions. Updated findings will provide crucial context for reauthorizing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and guide future funding decisions.

What’s next: Researchers will use the study to develop tools for better assessing and comparing special education expenditures.

Notable quotes: “We think it’s important to update the data as so much has changed since then,” – Claire Allen-Platt, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance. | “School districts need to understand how much they should be spending in comparison to what they actually are spending,” – Kevin Rubenstein, Council of Administrators of Special Education.

By Mark Lieberman | Ed Week

In 2024, Head Start programs are still funded by a formula set in the 1970s

What to know: New study reveals the extent of harm of an ‘outdated, uneven’ Head Start funding system.  Head Start funding relies on a 1974 formula, causing significant funding disparities, often leading to uneven quality and access, with southern states being particularly affected. The outdated funding formula results in unequal opportunities for children in poverty across states. 

What’s next: Proposed reforms include a $1 billion boost and updating the formula for fairer distribution. Reform is crucial as new rules raise teacher salaries, potentially reducing the number of children served.

Notable quotes: “Different children across different states are getting a different opportunity,” – Allison Boyle, Southern Education Foundation. | “It can’t be at the expense of serving fewer children,” – Kathy Thornburg, University of Missouri.

By Jackie Mader | Hechinger Report

In other National News…

City and State Roundup:

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