Changes in store for Oakland students this year

OAKLAND, Calif. - Students in Oakland go back to school on Monday and there are changes that many may notice this year. 

"He's excited," Nicole Rodgers said of her son, who is entering 5th grade at Manzanita Community School. "He's ready to start this year. It's an amazing school, so he's ready. We grew up in this neighborhood for a long time, so we're doing amazing things over here."

Oakland Unified School District officials said they are welcoming 18 new principals to school – four of whom attended Oakland schools as students.

And according to Supt. Kyla Johnson-Trammell, crews have been working hard over the summer on deep-cleaning schools and upgrading campuses leading to Day 1.

That includes new windows, new flooring and safety systems and new libraries and playgrounds at select schools. 

"Teachers have been setting up classrooms, finalizing lesson plans," she said on a YouTube video. "School leaders just attended our annual leadership institute, and left with plans for an exciting and joyful school year, and feeling energized and inspired by their colleagues." 

Also, for the first time, the district will launch its fleet of full electric school buses. It will be the first in the nation to exclusively use EV buses to take students to and from school campuses. OUSD only provides buses for students with special needs. 

For the youngest students, Johnson-Trammell said this is the first time since 1980 that all elementary schools will have performing arts programs. She said that was made possible through Prop 28 passed in 2022 and taxpayer funding through measure G passed in 2008.

"It's something they love and they should have it," said Jose Ayala. His son and daughter both attend Manzanita.

District leaders will likely face tough decisions as school budget deficits grow and enrollment declines. 

Johnson-Trammell said all options, including closures and consolidations, are still on the table to adjust to the student population and needs.

"We're looking at how we can use our assets more strategically," she said. "We know there is a lot of demand and need for housing and, also, how we do have the resources that we need as we consider that type of education for students."

Additionally, for the first time, 16- and 17-year-old students will be allowed to vote in school board elections, following suit with Berkeley Unified.