OUSD has a $79 million deficit this year

OAKLAND, California. – Families at Bridges Academy in East Oakland were excited to see the school’s brand new green playground for students and the community on Thursday as sponsors held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in conjunction with the Halloween festival.

“It’s really bright and green now, it’s really beautiful,” said Maria Chavez, a mother of two in the neighborhood, looking out over the lush landscape with swathes of trees and other native plants that have replaced the once plain black asphalt.

Children paraded around in costumes and participated in Halloween games and crafts to celebrate the Day of the Dead.

The schoolyard is a sign of success and hope for Bridges Academy, located near 53rd Avenue and International Boulevard, as the district faces the possibility of budget cuts and school closures.

“The school district and everything else isn’t doing very well, but with the new playground being built and everything, it seems like there’s a turnaround. We hope we can get help to turn these schools around,” said parent Cotia Black. .

The Oakland Unified School District faces dire financial projections of a $79 million deficit this year and the specter of a $95 million deficit next year if no cuts are made.

OUSD officials say, at 34,000 students, that’s not enough to sustain the district’s current 77 schools.

“Doing nothing is not an option. We clearly ran out of room to adapt everything the way it was before,” said Lisa Grant-Dawson, OUSD business director in a video posted on the district’s website.

In 2021, budget cuts sparked protests and the seizure of one school site. As a result, the district closed two schools and eliminated middle school classes elsewhere.

Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammel is expected to propose budget cuts and potential school closures at the next board meeting on Nov. 13.

“I think it’s really sad. They should not close any school because children have to learn in small classes,” Chavez said.

“I’m really sad to hear that schools are going to close. Since it’s been here for so long, I hope they (don’t) get closed. I hope they get some funding,” said Sarah Black, the elementary school student’s grandfather.

Some hope that funding through public-private partnerships may help. The new Bridge Academy school playground was built thanks to the efforts of OUSD, the nonprofit Trust for Public Landand Freestone Capital.

Michael Allard of Freestone Capital says it is a business investment in human capital to help students grow and thrive.

“Providing a safe and beautiful learning environment changes lives and I believe it is important that all children have the ability to do so,” Allard said.

“Schools can’t do it alone, there is no budget for it, but there are state dollars available for green projects and I think schoolyards are an obvious way to put that money into the heart of the community and provide as many benefits as possible,” Kira said Maritano, senior program manager at the Trust for Public Land.

Jana Katsuyama is a reporter for KTVU. Email Jana at [email protected]. Call her at 510-326-5529. Or follow her on Twitter @JanaKTVU and read her other reports on her biography page.