It is shameful enough that Ms. Andujar, a dedicated, collaborative and effective Special Education leader, is being ushered out of OUSD without regard for the demoralizing and destabilizing impact this will have on our students and teachers. However, when the process to replace her is not transparent, authentic, and collaborative, we are left to question the real motivation behind disrupting the continuity in committed and thoughtful leadership that we have finally experienced in Programs for Exceptional Children these past three years. The following information was distributed to a small subset of the OUSD community on March 4th, but as of today no announcement has been sent to the greater Special Education community. How can the hiring process be truly collaborative or take into consideration the concerns of our community, when those most vested in the outcome are not invited to the table? If you want the district to know what you look for in a Special Education leader, show up and speak out at the following, and likely only, “engagement” meeting the district will offer: Shape the Future of OUSD Programs for Exceptional Children (PEC) As you may be aware, the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is in the process of hiring a new Deputy Chief for Programs for Exceptional Children. Please join us for a meeting with potential candidates for the position: Saturday, March 12, 2016 9:30 am to Noon Lakeview Auditorium Light breakfast, childcare and translation provided Please pass this information along to PEC stakeholders. We especially hope to hear from parents and teachers.