June 15, 2026High schools
All 15 high school principals oppose raiding parcel tax reserves
“Oakland voters… were not writing a blank check to the district.”
Every high school principal in the district unanimously opposed a budget action that would have illegally redirected Measure N and Measure H parcel tax money to cover expenses the district was already required to pay. They called it supplanting — something both measures explicitly prohibit — and warned it exposes the district to audit findings and legal challenges.
Signed unanimously by all 15 OUSD high school principals.
Read the full letter (PDF)
January 26, 2026Elementary schools
Thirty elementary principals: cuts are redefining "adequate" downward
“High-quality schools do not happen by accident, and they do not happen through endurance alone.”
Thirty elementary principals warned the Board that budget allocations treat anything beyond a teacher, a principal, and an office assistant as optional. They explained that roles like instructional coaches, attendance specialists, substitutes for legally required IEP meetings, and noon supervisors are essential to running a functioning school — not extras.
Signed by 30 principals across East, West, and North Oakland.
Read the full letter (PDF)
April 22, 2026District-wide
A coalition from two-thirds of schools calls out systemic failure
“We are failing our children at a systematic level.”
Principals representing more than two-thirds of OUSD schools — serving 73% of students — sent an urgent letter calling out low reading rates, short-term budget fixes, deep cuts to teacher professional development, and a lack of transparency in major hiring and contract decisions. They asked for a seat at the table and a real plan.
Signed by principals from more than 50 schools.
Read the full letter (PDF)
