Oakland Unified received $129.9 million in final-round federal pandemic relief. How three East Bay districts handled one-time money and falling attendance helps explain three different outcomes.
Great article! One thing: the statement, "California is one of a handful of states that fund districts on the number of students actually in school each day through a formula known as Average Daily Attendance (ADA). OUSD’s enrollment decline leads to lower attendance and, with it, less state revenue" conflates two things often conflated -- attendance & enrollment. When enrolled kids are absent, the dollars don't come in. It doesn't matter if a student has measles or is truant: kid not in class, no funding. Oakland has a fairly high truancy rate, compounding its declining enrollment problems. Please help the public understand this issue.
Judith -- Thank you for your comment and suggestion. We have added a clarification to the article explaining that illnesses and truancy are counted against ADA. Thank you again; the suggestion is appreciated.
Great article, thanks Tarini. It is time to completely reorganize the OUSD. We need to put our children first. They are our future. Mississippi miracle is needed in Oakland. Our children need are real education. Mindy Pechenuk, candidate for Oakland Mayor 2026.
Great article! One thing: the statement, "California is one of a handful of states that fund districts on the number of students actually in school each day through a formula known as Average Daily Attendance (ADA). OUSD’s enrollment decline leads to lower attendance and, with it, less state revenue" conflates two things often conflated -- attendance & enrollment. When enrolled kids are absent, the dollars don't come in. It doesn't matter if a student has measles or is truant: kid not in class, no funding. Oakland has a fairly high truancy rate, compounding its declining enrollment problems. Please help the public understand this issue.
Judith -- Thank you for your comment and suggestion. We have added a clarification to the article explaining that illnesses and truancy are counted against ADA. Thank you again; the suggestion is appreciated.
Fantastic! Glad I was helpful.
OUSD pattern is similar to Oakland government: spending levels not nearly supported by revenue.
Amazing work, Tarini, a truly interesting read.
Great article, thanks Tarini. It is time to completely reorganize the OUSD. We need to put our children first. They are our future. Mississippi miracle is needed in Oakland. Our children need are real education. Mindy Pechenuk, candidate for Oakland Mayor 2026.