Oakland school board re-elects leadership as senior staff exit in contentious departures

"The past year has brought significant change, and I'm committed to continuing that work as we navigate difficult budget adjustments, conduct a superintendent search, support our immigrant families and students, and meet the social, emotional, and educational needs of our students," she said."

"The budget scenario, which lacked specific details, outlines a strategy for making those cuts, including reducing school site budgets by $32 million, or up to 10%; cutting the special education budget by $12 million; and implementing a $32 million reduction at the district's central office. The plan also relies on increasing funding by improving attendance rates and growing enrollment in transitional kindergarten classes."

"Brouhard and Bachelor served in the same roles in 2025, during a period in which the board ended its contract with former Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell, selected Denise Saddler as interim superintendent, and brought the district out of receivership."

Jennifer Brouhard and Valarie Bachelor were re-elected as president and vice president of the Oakland Unified School District board for a second one-year term. The board faces a superintendent search, steep budget cuts, and the risk of losing local control amid a mounting deficit. OUSD’s top priority is balancing the budget with an accepted plan to raise revenues and cut $100 million in spending. The plan proposes reducing school site budgets by $32 million, cutting special education by $12 million, and reducing central office spending by $32 million while seeking revenue gains from improved attendance and increased transitional kindergarten enrollment. Brouhard urged collaboration among board directors and community members.

Read at The Oaklandside