The Oakland Unified School District is grappling with a projected $95 million deficit for the upcoming year and is considering a significant cost-cutting measure: merging ten schools across five shared campuses. This strategic move aims to reduce administrative overhead and optimize resources.
Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell announced the plan in an open letter to the school community, stating that the Board of Education will discuss the proposed mergers on Wednesday and is set to vote on the plan on December 11.
The proposed mergers include:
- Manzanita Community School and Manzanita SEED Elementary School
- Fred T. Korematsu Discovery Academy and Esperanza Elementary School
- Think College Now and International Community School
- Life Academy and United For Success Academy
- EnCompass Academy and Acorn Woodland Elementary
These consolidations are expected to streamline operations and provide a more robust educational environment for Oakland’s students amidst the district’s financial challenges.