The legislature is considering a budget trailer bill – AB1840 –  that will give some financial relief to OUSD in the form of a three-year package of state budget allocations that are projected to total approximately $34.7 million. These are grants, not loans… there is no repayment. In return, the district must meet certain fiscal benchmarks, and (in consultation with FCMAT and Alameda County) other budget requirements of the district may be set that can include consolidating schools or selling surplus property, among other things.

Oakland needs affordable housing, not more schools. Under California’s Surplus Lands Act, when public agencies - like school districts - dispose of public land, they are required to first offer that land for development of affordable housing. However, the California legislature may be considering an amendment to AB 1840 that will mandate OUSD sell public land to privately-managed charter schools, instead of using public land to meet our community’s greatest need. Oakland has too many schools, and not enough affordable homes. We need our local legislature and school leaders to take a firm position against this misuse of our public lands. Please take 5 minutes to call our local legislators and school board president and ask them to stand up for affordable housing and community control of our public lands.

AB 1840 moved to the floor August 20th. So far, there have been no amendments, however it is scheduled for a 3rd reading (which is a point when it could be amended) today. 

Concurrently, the Burke bill that OEA was watching earlier this year – AB 3228 – that lets OUSD sell property and use the proceeds to pay down their loan has also started to move again in the last couple days and is also due for a 3rd reading today. 

Please Call (leave a message if no answer) the following legislators and OUSD Board President to let them know that you do not want them to approve any amendment to either of the bills noted above, or any other bill, that will mandate that OUSD sell public land to privately-managed charter schools:

Assemblymember Rob Bonta: (510) 286-1670

Assemblymember Tony Thurmond: (510) 286-1400

Assembly Phil Ting:  (916) 319-2019

Senator Nancy Skinner: (510) 286-1333

OUSD Board President Aimee Eng: (510) 879-2162

Thank you.