Oakland Unified School District currently has an interim Superintendent, since Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell was pushed out by the Board after bringing much-needed stability to the District. Prior to Dr. Johnson-Trammell, OUSD had 9 superintendents between 1997 and 2017. With her ouster, many are justly concerned that we will return to a revolving door: a sign of dysfunction at the top which harms our kids, families, and community.
The selection of Oakland’s next superintendent will shape the future of our district for years to come. I am running to become a board member so that I can actively participate in this crucial selection process.
Families, educators, students, and community members deserve a meaningful role in the superintendent search process. Transparency builds trust, and trust is essential for long-term success. As part of the selection process, I plan to collaborate with stakeholders who I know have the best interests of our children in mind.
The next superintendent must be committed to fiscal responsibility, including assessment of what consultant roles must be brought in-house to create competent staffing and a strong foundation for the district, and to achieve savings in a district that is fiscally challenged. They must fundraise to bring additional revenue to the district. Transparency, honesty, student achievement, community partnership, and equity for students are also key characteristics and motivations that I would look for.
Oakland Unified School District deserves stable leadership that listens, collaborates, and works alongside the community to build a stronger future for our schools.