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Oakland School Board Proposes Budget Solutions to Avoid State or County Takeover

After 22 years, OUSD was finally released from state receivership in July. Facing a new deficit, the district is now urgently dealing with the threat of a new state or county takeover.

Published

2 months ago

October 27, 2025

Oakland Post

Left: Kampala Taiz-Rancifer. Courtesy photo. Right: Interim Supt. Denise Saddler. File photo.

Teachers’ union calls for spending plan that prioritizes classrooms and student services

By Post Staff

Seeking to avoid the threat of a state or county takeover of the Oakland Unified School District, the Board of Education has adopted recommendations designed to provide guidelines to the superintendent and administration to resolve an ongoing budget deficit for this year and the next two years.

A resolution on budget guidance was approved at the Oct. 8 board meeting by board members Rachel Latta, Jennifer Brouhard, VanCedric Williams, and Valarie Bachelor. Voting ‘no’ were board members Mike Hutchinson, Patrice Berry, and Clifford Thompson.

After 22 years, OUSD was finally released from state receivership in July. Facing a new deficit, the district is now urgently dealing with the threat of a new state or county takeover.

The board resolution passed at the Oct. 8 board meeting directs Supt. Denise Saddler and her administration to implement a hiring freeze and review openings for new positions. Other possible savings include freezing or canceling consulting contracts, reducing travel expenses, and consolidating other purchases.

Whatever the district decides, none of the possibilities will include school closures or mergers, according to the board resolution.

District staff is expected to come back in November with budget proposals for the 2026-27 school year, including restructuring the central office, reducing administrative positions, and cutting spending on consulting contracts, as well as ways to increase enrollment.

Speaking at the board meeting, Saddler said, “What I need from all of you is to hear what the parameters are of what you would like staff to look at so we can do our best work to bring you options.”

“I want to respect that every single one of you has been doing some thinking about this and writing about it and have amendments and proposals,” she continued. “I urge you to give us the outside of the puzzle so we can go forth and do our best work.”

In an interview with the Oakland Post, Williams explained that a new board was elected last November and started in January. The board approved cuts in March of over $100 million to exit state receivership. And additional cuts of $60-$80 million are requested for 2026-2027, “which means up to $180 million within a year cycle, about 20% of the annual budget, raising the risk of returning to state receivership,” he said.

According to Williams the district carried high deficits with layoffs in 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23, and prior boards “kicked the can down the road” rather than dealing with the deficits.

Past board presidents Sam Davis, Mike Hutchinson, Gary Yee, and Shanthi Gonzales “did not address the problems, leaving the current board to solve them,” he said.

Further, Willliams said, Alameda County Supt. of Schools Alysse Castro and the state agency, Fiscal Crisis Management and Assistance Team (FCMAT) “gave qualified budget approvals for four years. They could have (halted) raises or spending but did not, expecting eventual cuts without mandating immediate reductions.”

As a result, he said the “board needs to make major budget decisions this year within the next few weeks due to a looming fiscal cliff and threat of state receivership.”

“Reductions cannot come solely from central office or consultants,” Williams said. “Everything is on the table, including afterschool (programs), special education, and school restructuring.”

In a statement to the community, OUSD Chief Budget Officer Lisa Grant-Dawson wrote, “The district must develop a plan to restore its reserves as we navigate through the 2025-26 budget and prepare for the 2026-27 Budget Development process. The district will present its first Interim Report in December, reflecting its revised projections for the budget and reserves, which will then be reviewed by the County.

“As we have been saying since early in the 2024-25 school year, the District is currently deficit-spending about $4 million per month, that is, spending $4 million more every month than it’s receiving in revenues. The more we do that moving forward, the more we diminish our reserves, until, eventually, we run out of money.”

“As a school district where the mission is educating children, we cannot run out of money, and the State and County won’t let that happen,” she said. “But we need to prevent it from getting to that point in the first place. The district will need to make some very difficult choices in the near future to remain financially solvent.”

According to the Oakland Education Association (OEA), the teachers’ union, which is currently negotiating with the district for a new contract, the district traditionally distorts its budget, minimizing its revenue and maximizing its expenses to avoid increasing employee wages.

In a presentation to teachers and families, OEA President Kampala Taiz-Rancifer said, “The City of Oakland has a long history of standing up for the most marginalized in our community. And we need OUSD to stand up and be a part of protecting Oakland students by really investing in our school sites.”

Continuing, she said, “Our main job in this district is to teach children, and we need OUSD to change its priorities from (spending its money) outsourcing, contracting out, and investing in top-level management to really providing a student-centered budget.”

“The district has spent too much on the wrong things, too much on outside contracting and on central office administration while also simultaneously having this history of under-projecting revenue,” she said.

“We have a vision for a student-centered budget that invests in our school,” Rancifer said. “We need to restructure the budget to prioritize students and staff, making a student-centered budget that invests in classrooms and student services.”

According to OEA, “OUSD receives nearly $1 billion yearly to fund our schools — yet only 56% of that goes to student-facing staff. Our students feel the daily impact through high teacher- and support staff- turnover. Districts like San Diego Unified prove it’s possible to do better, investing 80% of funds directly into the people who serve students.”

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Big God Ministry Gives Away Toys in Marin City

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grow up.

Published

16 hours ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

From top left: Pastor David Hall asking the children what they want to be when they grow up. Worship team Jake Monaghan, Ruby Friedman, and Keri Carpenter. Children lining up to receive their presents. Photos by Godfrey Lee.

By Godfrey Lee

Big God Ministries, pastored by David Hall, gave toys to the children in Marin City on Monday, Dec. 15, on the lawn near the corner of Drake Avenue and Donahue Street.

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grew up.

Around 75 parents and children were there to receive the presents, which consisted mainly of Gideon Bibles, Cat in the Hat pillows, Barbie dolls, Tonka trucks, and Lego building sets.

A half dozen volunteers from the Big God Ministry, including Donnie Roary, helped to set up the tables for the toy giveaway. The worship music was sung by Ruby Friedman, Keri Carpenter, and Jake Monaghan, who also played the accordion.

Big God Ministries meets on Sundays at 10 a.m. at the Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA Their phone number is (415) 797-2567.

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First 5 Alameda County Distributes Over $8 Million in First Wave of Critical Relief Funds for Historically Underpaid Caregivers

“Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers are lifelines for so many children and families in Alameda County,” said Kristin Spanos, CEO, First 5 Alameda County. “Yet, they often go unrecognized and undercompensated for their labor and ability to give individualized, culturally connected care. At First 5, we support the conditions that allow families to thrive, and getting this money into the hands of these caregivers and families at a time of heightened financial stress for parents is part of that commitment.”

Published

16 hours ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

Costco. Courtesy image.

Family, Friend, and Neighbor Caregivers Can Now Opt Into $4,000 Grants to Help Bolster Economic Stability and Strengthen Early Learning Experiences

By Post Staff

Today, First 5 Alameda County announced the distribution of $4,000 relief grants to more than 2,000 Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers, totaling over $8 million in the first round of funding. Over the full course of the funding initiative, First 5 Alameda County anticipates supporting over 3,000 FFN caregivers, who collectively care for an estimated 5,200 children across Alameda County. These grants are only a portion of the estimated $190 million being invested into expanding our early childcare system through direct caregiver relief to upcoming facilities, shelter, and long-term sustainability investments for providers fromMeasure C in its first year. This investment builds on the early rollout of Measure C and reflects a comprehensive, system-wide strategy to strengthen Alameda County’s early childhood ecosystem so families can rely on sustainable, accessible care,

These important caregivers provide child care in Alameda County to their relatives, friends, and neighbors. While public benefits continue to decrease for families, and inflation and the cost of living continue to rise, these grants provide direct economic support for FFN caregivers, whose wages have historically been very low or nonexistent, and very few of whom receive benefits. As families continue to face growing financial pressures, especially during the winter and holiday season, these grants will help these caregivers with living expenses such as rent, utilities, supplies, and food.

The funding for these relief grants comes from Measure C, a local voter-approved sales tax in Alameda County that invests in young children, their families, communities, providers, and caregivers. Within the first year of First 5’s 5-Year Plan for Measure C, in addition to the relief grants to informal FFN caregivers, other significant investments will benefit licensed child care providers. These investments include over $40 million in Early Care and Education (ECE) Emergency Grants, which have already flowed to nearly 800 center-based and family child care providers. As part of First 5’s 5-Year Plan, preparations are also underway to distribute facilities grants early next year for child care providers who need to make urgent repairs or improvements, and to launch the Emergency Revolving Fund in Spring 2026 to support licensed child care providers in Alameda County who are at risk of closure.

The FFN Relief Grants recognize and support the essential work that an estimated 3,000 FFN caregivers provide to 5,200 children in Alameda County. There is still an opportunity to receive funds for FFN caregivers who have not yet received them.

In partnership with First 5 Alameda County, Child Care Payment Agencies play a critical role in identifying eligible caregivers and leading coordinated outreach efforts to ensure FFN caregivers are informed of and able to access these relief funds.FFN caregivers are eligible for the grant if they receive a child care payment from an Alameda County Child Care Payment Agency, 4Cs of Alameda County, BANANAS, Hively, and Davis Street, and are currently caring for a child 12 years old or younger in Alameda County. Additionally, FFN caregivers who provided care for a child 12 years or younger at any time since April 1, 2025, but are no longer doing so, are also eligible for the funds. Eligible caregivers are being contacted by their Child Care Payment Agency on a rolling basis, beginning with those who provided care between April and July 2025.

“This money is coming to me at a critical time of heightened economic strain,” said Jill Morton, a caregiver in Oakland, California. “Since I am a non-licensed childcare provider, I didn’t think I was eligible for this financial support. I was relieved that this money can help pay my rent, purchase learning materials for the children as well as enhance childcare, buy groceries and take care of grandchildren.”

Eligible FFN caregivers who provided care at any time between April 1, 2025 and July 31, 2025, who haven’t yet opted into the process, are encouraged to check their mail and email for an eligibility letter. Those who have cared for a child after this period should expect to receive communications from their child care payment agency in the coming months. FFN caregivers with questions may also contact the agency they work with to receive child care payments, or the First 5 Alameda help desk, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST, at 510-227-6964. The help desk will be closed 12/25/25 – 1/1/26. Additional grant payments will be made on a rolling basis as opt-ins are received by the four child care payment agencies in Alameda County.

Beginning in the second year of Measure C implementation, FFN caregivers who care for a child from birth to age five and receive an Alameda County subsidized voucher will get an additional $500 per month. This amounts to an annual increase of about $6,000 per child receiving a subsidy. Together with more Measure C funding expected to flow back into the community as part of First 5’s 5-Year Plan, investments will continue to become available in the coming year for addressing the needs of childcare providers in Alameda County.

About First 5 Alameda County

First 5 Alameda County builds the local childhood systems and supports needed to ensure our county’s youngest children are safe, healthy, and ready to succeed in school and life.

Our Mission

In partnership with the community, we support a county-wide continuous prevention and early intervention system that promotes optimal health and development, narrows disparities, and improves the lives of children from birth to age five and their families.

Our Vision

Every child in Alameda County will have optimal health, development, and well-being to reach their greatest potential.

Learn more at www.first5alameda.org.

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2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Assemblymember Lori Wilson — Advocate for Equity, the Environment, and More

Her rise has also included several historic firsts: she is the only Black woman ever appointed to lead the influential Assembly Transportation Committee, and the first freshman legislator elected Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. She has also been a vocal advocate for vulnerable communities, becoming the first California legislator to publicly discuss being the parent of a transgender child — an act of visibility that has helped advanced representation at a time when political tensions related to social issues and culture have intensified.

Published

16 hours ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City). File photo.

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) joined the California Legislature in 2022 after making history as Solano County’s first Black female mayor, bringing with her a track record of fiscal discipline, community investment, and inclusive leadership.

She represents the state’s 11th Assembly District, which spans Solano County and portions of Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties.

California Black Media spoke with Wilson about her successes and disappointments this year and her outlook for 2026.

What stands out as your most important achievement this year?

Getting SB 237 passed in the Assembly. I had the opportunity to co-lead a diverse workgroup of colleagues, spanning a wide range of ideological perspectives on environmental issues.

How did your leadership contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians this year?

The Black Caucus concentrated on the Road to Repair package and prioritized passing a crucial bill that remained incomplete during my time as chair, which establishes a process for identifying descendants of enslaved people for benefit eligibility.

What frustrated you the most this year?

The lack of progress made on getting Prop 4 funds allocated to socially disadvantaged farmers. This delay has real consequences. These farmers have been waiting for essential support that was promised. Watching the process stall, despite the clear need and clear intent of the voters, has been deeply frustrating and reinforces how much work remains to make our systems more responsive and equitable.

What inspired you the most this year?

The resilience of Californians persists despite the unprecedented attacks from the federal government. Watching people stay engaged, hopeful, and determined reminded me why this work matters and why we must continue to protect the rights of every community in our state.

What is one lesson you learned this year that will inform your decision-making next year?

As a legislator, I have the authority to demand answers to my questions — and accept nothing less. That clarity has strengthened my approach to oversight and accountability.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians are facing currently?

Affordability and access to quality educational opportunities.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2026?

Advance my legislative agenda despite a complex budget environment. The needs across our communities are real, and even in a tight fiscal year, I’m committed to moving forward policies that strengthen safety, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life for the people I represent.