Oakland Unified School District is considering merging schools that already share campuses to tackle its $78 million projected budget deficit. But some parents warn that the mergers are a short-term fix to growing budget problems.
Anser HassanOakland's school board is discussing how to close a $78 million projected deficit, with merging schools that already share campuses being considered.The Oakland school board met on Wednesday to discuss how to cut costs and close a $78 million projected deficit.But some parents warn that the mergers are a short-term fix to growing budget problems.
The district says part of the problem is declining enrollment and that it is operating too many schools, especially compared to districts of similar size. In 2003, it had 50,261 students. In 2023, it dropped to 34,149 students. It would cost the district $3.7 billion to repair all Oakland schools.The district is discussing consolidating 10 schools into five at Wednesday's school board meeting. That would save the district upwards of $3 million dollars.
To those on the outside, it may make sense to simply merge two elementary schools, which already share the same location. But Lopez-Sandoval says that can be deceiving. To begin with, Manzanita Seed school is a duel language immersion school with English and Spanish. And the two schools may have different goals and objectives based on their community needs.
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