Many of us first heard the name University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) for their historic upset of a number one seed in the NCAA tournament,however, there is an even more historic lesson there, with a far greater impact, and one I hope we learn from. Outside of hoops, UMBC is remarkable for two powerful…
What’s Working
A Second Chance for a Life Changing Trip; Helping Albert Get Back to Africa
Last year we planned a trip to South Africa, it started amazing but ended early when thousands of dollars were stolen. Football teaches you that you need to get up when you are knocked down, so we are planning the trip again, and this time we will get it right and I need your help.…
The Superintendent, Students, Energy Convertors and Real Talk- A video from our event
What Went Right and What Went Wrong in the OUSD Facility Blueprint Process
Deep divisions in the Oakland community played out in the recent ambitious attempt to review and develop a deeper and more grounded plan for use of OUSD school buildings. I applaud the effort, this has been sorely needed, and this is not a critique of the superintendent or the community engagement folks, but it may…
How OUSD Can Practically Reduce Charter School Growth and Help Educators and Families
Oakland has tried and failed several strategies to reduce charter school growth. Here I offer some free consulting (“POP” the sound of OUSD heads exploding) and two practical ways the district can reduce or even stop the growth of charters here. They won’t be easy, and they aren’t the sloganistic, short term symbolic actions that…