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Deadlocked OUSD Board Fails to Approve Proposed Budget That Would Cut Programs, Lay Off Teachers, Close Schools

Split 3-3, the Oakland School Board deadlocked on a district budget proposal containing program cuts, layoffs, school mergers and closures on Tuesday night. The budget, which was rushed to the school board only 24 hours after it was released, was backed by Oakland Unified School District Supt. Kyla Johnson-Trammell and Board President Mike Hutchinson.

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OUSD Supt. Kyla Trammell-Johnson and OUSD School Board President Mike Hutchinson
OUSD Supt. Kyla Trammell-Johnson and OUSD School Board President Mike Hutchinson

By Ken Epstein

Split 3-3, the Oakland School Board deadlocked on a district budget proposal containing program cuts, layoffs, school mergers and closures on Tuesday night.

The budget, which was rushed to the school board only 24 hours after it was released, was backed by Oakland Unified School District Supt. Kyla Johnson-Trammell and Board President Mike Hutchinson.

Board members voted on two resolutions: the first was to give Johnson-Trammell the authority to make cuts and consolidate schools; the second was to give the required legal March 15 notice to allow staff to be laid off.

On the first resolution, board members voting in favor of the cuts were Hutchinson and Clifford Thompson. Sam Davis abstained. Voting ‘no’ were VanCedric Williams, Jennifer Brouhard, and Valarie Bachelor. On the second resolution, Hutchinson, Davis and Thompson supported the layoffs while Williams, Brouhard, and Bachelor voted against them.

Though the school district has a budget surplus, the proposed budget contains about 100 layoffs of classified workers, program cuts at schools, a hiring freeze and mergers or closures of 10 schools. Supporters claim these cuts are necessary in order to provide teachers and other school employees raises this year.

In a statement, the teachers’ union – the Oakland Education Association  (OEA) – opposed the budget proposal:

“It is completely disingenuous to present these cuts as necessary to fund a raise for educators and school employees,” the union said. “OUSD got $54 million in new state funding this year. Neighboring districts have already agreed to large raises without cuts or school closures.”

Union leader Kampala Taiz-Rancifer said on Facebook that the proposed “adjustments are cuts!” and “mergers are closures!”

She continued: “Cutting 100 jobs? There are no OEA members that want a raise on the backs of other workers or on the backs of students. Whoever thinks this is a good idea is disgusting.”

At Tuesday night’s meeting, the board seemed to go into closed session for hours as members attempted to resolve their differences over the budget proposals. (Discussion of the budget in closed session potentially could be a violation of the Brown Act, which requires meeting to be held in public.)

After the meeting, Hutchinson bemoaned the failure of the budget plan to pass.

“I’m extremely frustrated and deeply disappointed,” he said on Facebook. “OUSD was preparing to give a historic raise to OEA. Now because of some questionable advocacy, and directors flip-flopping and changing their votes at the last minute, the school board did not approve any budget adjustments before the March 15 statutory deadline to notice employees.

“This now means that OUSD has no resources to offer OEA a salary increase,” he continued. “I hope the folks responsible for this mess are held accountable.”

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Oakland Post: Week of February 12 – 18, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of February 12 – 18, 2025

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Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee Reflects on Her Career as She Bids Farewell to Congress

“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.

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Rep. Barbara Lee. File photo.
Rep. Barbara Lee. File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Outgoing Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) expressed deep gratitude to her constituents and marked the end of her 26-year career in public service.

Lee, who is succeeded by Lateefah Simon, a civil rights and racial justice activist, praised people in her community for their support. She also highlighted her dedication to promoting peace, justice, and equity.

“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.

Throughout her tenure, Lee earned a reputation as a principled lawmaker known for taking bold and sometimes unpopular stances. One of her defining moments came in 2001 when she was the sole member of Congress to vote against the Authorization for the Use of Military Force in response to the September 11 attacks. This decision led to death threats but ultimately cemented her legacy of courage.

Lee’s leadership extended beyond her district, where she fought for social justice, the rights of low-income communities, and global health initiatives. She was a key figure in pushing for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). She was a vocal critic of the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion services.

The Congresswoman also faced significant challenges in her career, including a failed Senate bid in 2024. Yet, Lee’s efforts have paved the way for more excellent representation, with more Black women now elected to Congress. She worked closely with organizations like Representation Matters to encourage more women of color to run for office.

Lee says she looks to the future, confident that the next generation of leaders will continue her unfinished work, particularly on issues like military force and reproductive rights.

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Oakland Post: Week of February 5 – 11, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of February 5 – 11, 2025

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