Forced to cut $100M from budget, OUSD looks 'to do less with less'

"We are absolutely in a place where we have to do less with less,"

"We can't continue to keep doing the same work with less. These are not necessarily recommendations, but proposals to get to a balanced budget. We know these aren't things that any of us actually want. But this is where we're at."

"There's no way to cut $100 million, roughly 20% of our unrestricted general fund, without significant pain,"

"Our financial situation is genuinely urgent - we will fall back into state receivership, likely within two years, if we don't make some changes. If we lose local control, the state will make decisions for us, and our community voice disappears."

Oakland Unified must trim about $100 million, roughly 20% of the general fund, to balance the 2026–2027 budget. The district presented two scenarios that fall short of the target: one eliminates about 54 central-office positions for roughly $22 million in savings; the other cuts about 48 positions for about $17 million while protecting some key staff. Leaders warned the process will be painful and urged collaborative decision-making before the board's Dec. 10 vote. Interim superintendent Denise Saddler warned of likely return to state receivership within two years if changes are not made. An ICE sighting near Hoover Elementary prompted community alerts.

Read at The Oaklandside