For Immediate Release: Feb. 4, 2019
For more information:
Katy Nunez-Adler, mobile: (510) 967-5137; katy@oaklandcommunity.org
Justine Santos, mobile: 510-386-1718; justine@californiansforjustice.org
OAKLAND GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT: Protect Our Students! Protect Our Schools! Put Oakland flatlands students and families first!
Oakland, Calif. — Decisions about the 2019-2020 budget are being made in the next few days that will have immediate and long-term impact on thousands of children and young people in our community. Oakland Community Organizations (OCO), Californians for Justice (CFJ) and Public Advocates urge the OUSD School Board to adopt core budget priorities that put Oakland flatlands students and families first.
“Families must be included in the decisions that impact our children’s education—especially low-income families of African American students, newcomers, English language learners, unsheltered students and students with special needs,” says East Oakland resident and OCO parent leader Luz Alcaraz. “We urge the district to send money to schools serving high needs students so parents, students, teachers, staff and principals can make decisions that truly support our children’s development and learning. Schools should be places where caring adults in deep relationships with students can play a major role in transforming life opportunities and outcomes.”
“The district must center equity around the budget cuts. Equitable is not equal. We can’t have across-the-board solutions and approaches for differently situated school communities,” says Jiawen Wang, Californians for Justice student leader. “More resources should go towards schools with more high needs students so that they can afford to pay for additional services.”
Families, students and advocates also support a fair contract for OUSD teachers and other educators so they can live and work in our community. “Teachers’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions,” says Angelica Jongco, Deputy Managing Attorney with Public Advocates. “Teacher turnover is a huge concern in Oakland, especially in our highest need schools. Retaining skilled, diverse and caring teachers is essential to closing opportunity gaps for our kids.”
WHAT: Press conference in support of OUSD Educators, Students and Families
WHO: OCO, CFJ, PA, families from Oakland flatlands, community and clergy leaders. Students, parents and teachers available for photos and interviews.
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 4:15 PM [NEW DATE] WHERE: La Escuelita Education Complex, 1050 2nd Avenue (East 10th St. entrance) [NEW LOCATION]
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Oakland Community Organizations is a multi-faith, multi-ethnic federation of over 55 congregations, 25 schools and allied community organizations representing more than 45,000 families in Oakland. Together, we work on issues such as education, violence prevention, immigration, housing and voter engagement.
Californians for Justice is a statewide youth-powered organization in Oakland, San Jose, Fresno and Long Beach, fighting to improve the lives of communities of color, immigrant, low-income, LGBTQ and other marginalized communities.
Public Advocates is a nonprofit law firm and advocacy organization that challenges the systemic causes of poverty and racial discrimination by strengthening community voices in public policy and achieving tangible legal victories.
