Oakland teachers plan one-day strike on May 1, claim unfair labor conditions
Thursday's strike, which falls on International Workers' Day, is being held in protest of what the Oakland Education Association (OEA) describes as "unfair labor practices" by the district.
The OEA, which represents approximately 3,000 public school educators, announced the walkout over the weekend, citing the district's failure to provide required financial information related to recent budget cuts and layoffs.
OUSD has been grappling with a multi-million-dollar deficit and in March, issued around 100 layoff notices.
"The District has a legal obligation to provide this information, which is needed to enable educators to understand how proposals would affect teachers, District and classroom stability, and the community we serve," the union said in a statement released Sunday.
Thursday's work stoppage will mark the fourth teacher strike in six years. Teachers held a seven-day strike in 2023, a one-day strike in 2022 and a seven-day strike in 2019.
While the looming strike presents another logistical challenge for families, many parents said they stand firmly behind Oakland educators.
"OUSD should be ashamed of creating a school environment where kids can't count on school taking place. My kids are 6th grader and 9th grader now," said parent Rachel Kinnon. "They don't believe that school will be there for them, from one week to the next because you never know when there's going to be a strike."
Kinnon, like others, expressed frustration with the instability of the school calendar.
"We need to be able to count on the schools to be open on school days so that we know where our kids are, and we don't need to interrupt our jobs. We don't need to change our lives around when our kids should be at school learning," she told CBS News Bay Area.
Despite the inconvenience, Kinnon said she remains committed to supporting educators.
"Luckily, my kids are old enough that I can keep them home. I would never cross a strike. I support the teachers," she said. "When they were in elementary school and the strike went on for days and days, that was really hard. It's almost an impossible thing to put a family through."
Another OUSD parent, Jme McLean, said she trusts the educators' judgment.
"I'm not as caught up in all of the details, but I do trust our teachers, and know that if they're considering doing something as drastic as this, that it is important and something that we should all pay attention to," McLean said.
However, not everyone agrees with the union's stance. District 4 School Board Director Mike Hutchinson said he is confused by the strike announcement, arguing that all relevant financial documents have already been made available.
"All of our budget documents are public information. They are publicly posted on our district website, as required by law. And so, I would just point out that there's been very general claims made and nobody has been able to say specifically what document they have not been given," Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson also expressed frustration over the lack of communication in the days leading up to the planned strike.
"It is offensive that we are four days away from a strike and there's been no communication about anything. So, what's supposed to happen on Thursday?" he asked.
Amid the conflict, the OUSD school board has scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday night in an effort to work with the union and avoid the strike.
Some parents, including Kinnon, said the district's ongoing instability may push families to leave the school system altogether.
"OUSD is shooting itself in the foot. They're doing all this stuff that's breaking trust and breaking any support that they might have had with families," she said.
CBS News Bay Area reached out to Oakland Unified on Sunday for comment regarding its preparations should the strike move forward, but the district has yet to respond.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
17-06-2025
- Associated Press
Zarai Maza Emerges as a Hemispheric Leader in Human Rights and Social Strategy.
Zarai Maza Emerges as a Hemispheric Leader in Human Rights and Social Strategy at the OEA — The Organization of American States, based in Washington, D.C., unites 35 countries to promote democracy and human rights across the Americas. With a presence across three continents, over 400 scholarships awarded, and a growing diplomatic agenda, Maza is redefining the role of civil society in the defense of fundamental rights. Miami, FL - June 17, 2025 - In a global context marked by democratic fragility, forced displacement, and the erosion of fundamental freedoms, Zarai Maza has emerged as one of the most influential voices in the Western Hemisphere. Her work blends grassroots action, institutional development, and strategic presence in multilateral spaces, positioning her as a leader capable of connecting civil society with centers of political decision-making. In March of this year, she was invited to speak at the Hall of the Americas at the Organization of American States (OAS), where she shared the panel with Secretary General Dr. Luis Almagro and other prominent guests during the Hispanic Voices for Human Rights Summit, organized by AMAVEX in collaboration with the OAS. Her speech, titled 'Migrating as a Professional: The Emotional Challenge of Starting Over', served as a powerful call to recognize the contribution of displaced professionals to the development of host countries. Former OAS Secretary General Dr. Luis Almagro Honored at the Hispanic Voices for Human Rights Summit — AMAVEX Presents Award for His Legacy in Defending Human Rights, with Zarai Maza Among Distinguished Participants. In July 2024, she was a panelist and co-sponsor of the Human Rights Summit at the United Nations Headquarters, invited by United for Human Rights. During the Human Rights in Action panel, she discussed the challenges of turning human rights into tangible realities and presented measurable results from her international campaigns. She also proposed a strategic collaboration model between governments and civil society for the coming decade. Video: Video Link: As the founder and executive director of the Guardians of Human Rights Foundation, Maza has built an active network across more than 15 countries in the Americas, Asia, and Europe, leading programs focused on human rights education, youth leadership, women's empowerment, and the prevention of violence and drug abuse. Under her leadership, the foundation has awarded more than 400 institutional scholarships in partnership with U.S. universities, helping migrants and refugees access master's and bachelor's degree programs. Through its programs and campaigns, the foundation has reached more than 4.4 million people globally, mobilized over 5,620 human rights advocates, and maintains an active presence on three continents. Maza's journey has taken her from forums in India and Japan to multilateral platforms, local governments, and universities throughout the Americas and Europe. Her work has been recognized by the White House, the United States Congress, and multiple municipalities that have issued official proclamations in support of her awareness and education campaigns. Maza leads not only through action, but also through vision. Her 2025–2030 agenda includes the launch of an International Youth Leadership Network, the establishment of Regional Human Rights Centers in Latin America and Asia, and the formal recognition of her foundation as a consultative actor before multilateral bodies. Born in Venezuela and forced into exile in 2017, she has transformed her personal story into a platform for global action. She no longer speaks solely as a witness to exile, but as a builder of solutions to the greatest human rights challenges of our time. About Zarai Maza: Zarai Maza is an international speaker, university professor, strategist, and the founder and executive director of the Guardians of Human Rights Foundation. She is widely recognized as one of the most prominent voices in the hemisphere on human rights. Maza has represented civil society in high-level forums such as the United Nations and the Organization of American States, and her work has been honored by the White House, the U.S. Congress, and local governments across the Americas and Europe. Her leadership has driven impactful programs in community empowerment, human rights education, youth leadership, violence prevention, and access to higher education for migrants and refugees. She is currently advancing a global agenda focused on empowering youth, fostering international cooperation, and defending fundamental rights in an increasingly complex world.(Press Release by Reinaldo Vandres - PR Director) Media Contact Company Name: Guardians of Human Rights Foundation Contact Person: Reinaldo Vandres - PR Director Email: Send Email Phone: +1 (727)-367-6895 City: Miami State: Florida Country: United States Website: Source: Aknanda Productions PR & Branding Content Services
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Teacher incentives, math education bills become law in Oklahoma
Skelly Elementary teacher Charity Hargrave leads a reading exercise with a small group of fifth graders in Tulsa on April 9, 2024. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY — Longtime Oklahoma teachers will continue earning annual salary increases for an extra 10 years, and their children will qualify for a major state-funded scholarship under new laws the governor signed this week. Gov. Kevin Stitt approved House Bill 1087 on Tuesday to extend the teacher salary schedule, which grants annual incremental pay raises, up to 35 years. The bill also adds one day to the minimum length of an Oklahoma school year, stretching it to 181 instructional days in public schools. HB 1727, which Stitt also signed Tuesday, opens the Oklahoma's Promise college scholarship to the children of classroom teachers with at least 10 years of experience. Oklahoma's Promise pays an amount equal to full resident tuition at a public college or university. The state's largest teacher union, the Oklahoma Education Association, celebrated both bills as ways to retain veteran educators. Offering scholarship funds to educators' children is a 'powerful step for Oklahoma valuing its teachers and their households,' OEA President Cari Elledge said. 'By granting Oklahoma's Promise Scholarship to children of certified educators with at least a decade of service, this bill eases the college burden on our families while incentivizing long-term commitment to our schools,' Elledge, a former Norman teacher, said. 'OEA championed this from committee rooms to the governor's desk because addressing the educator shortage requires meaningful investment.' The governor also signed a bill offering grants to school districts that are trying to boost the pipeline of new teachers. Senate Bill 235 offers matching funds to districts that have established Grow Your Own Educator programs, which give undergraduate college tuition assistance or loan repayment to aspiring teachers. The bill's author, Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, said lawmakers set aside $5 million for these grants. Pugh, who leads the Senate Education Committee, said the slate of school-focused bills the Legislature passed this year are 'building a stronger foundation for Oklahoma's future.' 'Each of these measures reflects our commitment to supporting students, empowering teachers and ensuring every child in our state has access to a high-quality education,' Pugh said in a statement. Multiple bills emphasizing math also passed. Stitt approved HB 1287, giving $3 million to the University of Oklahoma for a math tutoring program assisting the lowest-performing ninth graders. Qualifying students must attend a school district with enrollment of at least 30,000 or a public charter school. The governor also signed on Tuesday the Oklahoma Math Achievement and Proficiency Act, also known as SB 140. It's expected to cost $1 million, according to a fiscal impact estimate from legislative staff. The new law requires public schools to screen students' math proficiency three times a year in grades 2-5. Schools must create a math intervention plan for children who score below their grade level and could receive extra funds dedicated for these students. Struggling students also must be screened for dyscalculia, a learning disability affecting comprehension of arithmetic. Those who screen above their grade level in math must be offered advanced learning opportunities. 'Senate Bill 140 is a critical step forward in improving math outcomes across our state,' the bill's author, Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, said. 'By identifying students who need additional help or more advanced instruction, they will now have personalized support to ensure every child can succeed.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
San Francisco Chronicle
30-05-2025
- San Francisco Chronicle
Oakland school board appoints interim superintendent
The Oakland school board has voted to appoint a veteran educator and former president of the teacher's union to interim superintendent, the district announced Friday. Denise Saddler will serve as interim superintendent for the 2025-26 school year starting July 1, the district said. The school board will vote to approve Saddler's finalized employment contract at an upcoming board meeting. 'We thank our community for its continued engagement throughout this process and look forward to officially welcoming Dr. Saddler once the contract is finalized. Together, we remain committed to providing every OUSD student with the thriving schools they deserve,' the district said Friday in a statement. The appointment of Saddler to interim superintendent comes a day after the former longtime superintendent, Kyla Johnson-Trammell, gave her final remarks at a news conference Thursday. The union-backed school board majority ousted Johnson-Trammell in April, eight months after extending her contract through June 2027. Saddler, the interim superintendent, has more than 40 years of education experience under her belt, including as a teacher and administrator for the district, officials said. She has previously served as principal of Chabot Elementary and oversaw 15 schools in North and West Oakland as the district's former network executive officer. From 2013 to 2015, Saddler served as assistant superintendent for education services for the Berryessa Union School District in San Jose, according to her LinkedIn profile. She also served as president of the Oakland Education Association, which represents the district's 3,000 teachers, counselors, aides and other educators, for six years, the district said.
