The showcase is part of an effort to revive the legacy of vocal performance in East Oakland, led by Elevate Oakland and Town Business Inc., two local organizations that support arts and music education in public schools.
Author Archives: Ashley McBride
Ashley McBride writes about education equity for The Oaklandside. Her work covers Oakland’s public district and charter schools. Before joining The Oaklandside in 2020, Ashley was a reporter for the San Antonio Express-News and the San Francisco Chronicle as a Hearst Journalism Fellow, and has held positions at the Poynter Institute and the Palm Beach Post. Ashley earned her master’s degree in journalism from Syracuse University.
Reading rivalry: Oakland students face off in OUSD’s first Battle of the Books
6 OUSD elementary schools, plus two private schools, came together for a cross-community book club and competition.
Oakland school board inches closer to school mergers
As labor unions warn of a strike, OUSD’s trustee threatened to hold up contract negotiations if the board doesn’t accelerate its closure and merger process.
Transitional kindergarten is growing in Oakland to meet increased demand
As California gradually widens the eligibility for transitional kindergarten to all 4-year-olds, OUSD must make room for them at many already-full campuses.
Oakland’s school year calendar is changing again
But the district and teachers union say this latest tweak better responds to the needs of families and staff.
Samuel Merritt University takes a bet on downtown Oakland with new campus
The 115-year-old health sciences school is doubling down on Oakland, where it has ties to community health clinics and local high schools, and it serves a diverse student population.
East Oakland kids travel the world through Castlemont’s Pacific Bridge Club
This week, the Castlemont High School student group will be taking a trip to Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines to volunteer with wildlife organizations, visit universities, and learn about different cultures.
Almost every OUSD school has a library now. But it will take more money to keep them running
The Measure G parcel tax has helped pay for librarians across OUSD schools. Philanthropy has helped defray other costs, like buying books and technology, but library supporters say it isn’t sustainable.
In Oakland Unified’s young adult program, students with disabilities gain life skills and community
The young adult program empowers transitional-age youth to become the responsible and independent people they want to be.
Oakland debate group gives low-income students opportunities usually exclusive to private schools
The Bay Area Urban Debate League helps students develop skills to succeed in college and beyond, but it needs support from the community.
After Oakland’s Holy Names University closed, transfer students found confusion at St. Mary’s College
Students say miscommunications delayed their graduation and led to extra classes and costs.
Oakland middle school students hold walkout and rally for Palestine
Student and teacher activists accused the district of ‘suppressing’ discussions about the Israel-Palestine conflict after a weekend event was canceled.
Oakland Unified’s school calendar makes childcare difficult, parents say
OUSD approved the 2024-2025 calendar less than six months before the start of the school year, adding to the stress of making summer plans for students.
Black College Expo returns to downtown Oakland for its 21st year
Featuring historically Black colleges and universities, participating schools will offer scholarships, on-the-spot admissions, and workshops about financial aid.
Oakland Unified has a $24M deficit to overcome
Next year’s budget must also include $27M in staff raises while accounting for expiring COVID-relief and lower attendance rates.
Free tuition at Peralta Colleges sees students returning to school in big numbers
It’s uncertain if classes will remain free much longer without additional federal or state funding, district officials said. But the program has been a big boost to the community college.
Who’s running for the Alameda County Board of Education in Oakland?
Angela Normand and John Lewis are running for Area 2, while Ken Berrick is unopposed in Area 3.
Fake kidnapping scams are targeting Oakland families
Oakland Unified School District is advising families to remove their phone numbers from social media.
Attorney general: Oakland school closures would have disproportionately harmed Black students
California’s Department of Justice says if OUSD proposes closures again, it must abide by laws intended to prevent low-income, disabled, and Black students from being disadvantaged.
Palestine teach-in prompts civil rights probe of Oakland schools
Oakland Unified is one of dozens of school districts and colleges where complaints of ethnic discrimination have led to investigations by federal authorities.