Our 2026 School Board Endorsements

Arielle Fleisher

As a mother raising a child in Oakland’s public schools, Arielle Fleisher knows firsthand what’s at stake when our district fails to deliver for students. A parent at Crocker Highlands Elementary, Arielle Fleisher has spent years bringing families together, advocating for better schools, and pushing district leadership to answer difficult questions.

Arielle Fleisher brings a strong background in public policy and a determination to fix the systemic problems holding Oakland schools back. She understands that families deserve more than promises. They deserve a district that manages its finances responsibly, prioritizes reading and math proficiency, and makes decisions based on what is best for children.

We believe Arielle Fleisher will bring the urgency of a parent and the discipline of a policy professional to a school board that desperately needs both.

Mike Hutchinson

Few people on the Oakland School Board have as deep a personal connection to Oakland’s public schools as Mike Hutchinson. Born and raised in Oakland, Mike Hutchinson attended Oakland public schools himself and comes from a family of educators. His mother taught in Oakland for 40 years, and his father was an instructor at Laney College for more than two decades.

Mike Hutchinson has dedicated much of his life to Oakland’s students, spending over 20 years working and volunteering in schools, supporting youth programs, and advocating for stronger public education. He brings an important understanding of the history of OUSD and the challenges facing our schools today.

We believe Oakland needs school board members who are deeply invested in the success of its students, understand the district’s challenges, and will fight to ensure that school resources are directed toward the needs of children.

Kathryn Camp

Kathryn Camp is an Oakland public school parent, PTA leader, and longtime community member who understands the challenges families face when trying to ensure their children receive a quality education. As a parent, she knows that every budget decision and every policy adopted by the school board ultimately affects the opportunities available to Oakland’s children.

With more than 20 years of experience in financial services, regulatory affairs, and compliance, Kathryn Camp brings valuable expertise at a time when OUSD is facing serious financial challenges. She recognizes that the district cannot improve student achievement without restoring fiscal discipline, rebuilding trust with families, and making sure resources are being used effectively.

Kathryn Camp brings the perspective of an engaged parent and the professional experience needed to help OUSD make better decisions.

Alexandra Williams

Alexandra Williams knows what it takes to help children succeed because she has spent more than 15 years doing that work herself. As a teacher, school administrator, and education leader, Alexandra Williams has dedicated her career to working directly with students and helping schools create environments where children can thrive.

Alexandra Williams currently teaches high school math in Oakland and is pursuing her doctorate. She understands the academic challenges facing students because she sees them firsthand in the classroom. She knows that improving reading and math proficiency requires high expectations, effective instruction, and school leadership that is accountable for results.

At a time when far too many Oakland students are falling behind academically, we need leaders who understand what actually happens inside our classrooms. Alexandra Williams brings the experience of an educator, a commitment to measurable academic improvement, and a clear understanding that every decision should begin with the needs of students.

LeAna Powell

For LeAna Powell, Oakland public schools are deeply personal. Born and raised in Oakland and coming from a family of educators, LeAna Powell is now raising her own three children in the same public school system that has educated generations of her family. Her children represent the fifth generation of her family to attend Oakland public schools.

LeAna Powell knows that the future of OUSD is directly tied to the future of Oakland families. As a mother and longtime advocate for children, including students with disabilities, she has spent years helping families access the resources and services their children need to succeed.

Her experience working in family and community engagement, combined with her perspective as a parent, has shaped her belief that families must have a real voice in their children’s education. LeAna Powell understands the urgency of improving student achievement, strengthening special education services, and ensuring that district leaders are accountable to the families they serve.

We believe LeAna Powell will bring the passion of a mother, the perspective of a lifelong Oaklander, and a deep commitment to the next generation of Oakland students.