Oakland Unified Seeks Outside Groups To Take Over Several Schools
OAKLAND (KPIX 5) -- The Oakland Unified School District is looking for charter schools and other outside groups to take over the district's most underperforming schools.
Loata Fine, a senior at Fremont High, said change can't come soon enough. But she said the district's latest attempt won't work. "You guys are not scientists. Therefore, do not experiment with our education," she said.
Fremont High, Castlemont High, McClymonds High, Frick Middle and Brookfield Elementary have gone through a revolving door of educational makeovers.
"Since freshmen, we have had a different bell schedule every single year," Loata said.
Oakland Unified said these schools receive 40 percent more money than higher-performing schools, but nothing has really worked. Enrollment at McCylmonds High has gone down, from 800 students to now around 250.
The district is open to charters and other organizations to them take over. "We are not satisfied with where they are now. And this is an affirmative step to say that we as a district will ensure that these schools are successful going forward," said Superintendent Antawn Wilson.
But critics say it's a simple fix: invest in these failing schools. Students say they don't see the extra 40 percent in money. Fremont High doesn't even have a library.
Fremont teacher Jasmene Miranda said, "We need a working auditorium for our drama. We need more computers on our campus. If you came to campus and saw our computers, you would laugh."
"We have one counselor for 700 students," Loata said.
Jeff Duncan-Andrade, a founder of a charter school, opposes the district's latest idea. "Overwhelming of the people I hear entering into the conversation for these five spaces are not from this community, have no track record of consistently serving the highest need kids in this community," he said.
Loata wants help for her school, but sees the current proposal as another failed attempt. "They're given up on us. 'Oh, we'll just put you guys on the market. I don't know what's gonna happen to your teachers.' It's really frustrating," Loata said.
Superintendent Wilson said he's not committed to solely charters. He said some of the schools will probably end up being district run.
The superintendent said whoever has the best idea and the community can support it, then that organization will take over, be it the district or a charter.
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