The Brief
- The Oakland Unified School Board voted Wednesday night to reverse sweeping cuts to after-school programs.
- The vote came after more than 40 parents, students and childcare providers spoke out in opposition to the cuts.
- The meeting came after the board voted in favor of the cuts in March.
OAKLAND, Calif. – Public outrage appeared to motivate members of the Oakland Unified School Board, as they voted overwhelmingly at a special meeting Wednesday night to reverse sweeping cuts to afterschool, before-school and summer programs.
Parents, students express outrage
The about-face came after more than 40 parents, students and childcare providers took the podium, slamming the board’s March decision to slash those programs.
“Why would the school board take away something that thousands of kids benefit from?” said one student.
“Food prices are going up. Rent prices are going up. Why would you cut after-school care?” said a parent.
Cuts spark backlash
The backstory:…