More than 10,000 residents in Oakland who are parents or caregivers but not citizens could be allowed to vote for OUSD school board members.

Author Archives: Ashley McBride
Ashley McBride reports on education equity for The Oaklandside. She covered the 2019 Oakland Unified School District teachers’ strike as a breaking news reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle. More recently, she was an education reporter for the San Antonio Express-News where she covered several local school districts, charter schools, and the community college system. McBride earned her master’s degree in journalism from Syracuse University, has held positions at the Palm Beach Post and the Poynter Institute, and is a recent Hearst Journalism Fellow.
How can schools teach about gun violence? These Oakland teachers created an entire curriculum
Athena Larios and Melanie Swandby designed the “Addressing Gun Violence Toolkit” after one of their students was shot and killed. Now they’re sharing it with other teachers.
Alysse Castro wins Alameda County superintendent race against incumbent L.K. Monroe
In an upset victory, Alysse Castro defeated incumbent L.K. Monroe in the Alameda County Superintendent of Schools election with 53% of votes.
The OUSD board has 2 weeks to appoint a D6 director. Meet the applicants
The group is a mix of parents, educators, and longtime Oakland residents.
OUSD board faces demands from Parker elementary protesters
Also: A tax measure to support college and career readiness for Oakland students could be on the ballot in November.
Alameda County election results: Alysse Castro takes lead over L.K. Monroe in superintendent’s race
Incumbent L.K. Monroe faced challenger Alysse Castro, who oversees alternative schools in San Francisco.
Fruitvale students tested their soil and found lead contamination. Now they’re campaigning to fix it
The Oakland middle-schoolers found lead levels of more than twice the limit recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency at their campus and in their neighborhood.
Parker elementary families don’t want their school to close. So they’ve taken it over
A group of Oakland moms and their children are offering their own “community school” on campus.
OUSD board discusses universal TK, special education, and Measure N
Oakland kids are on summer break, but the school board must adopt a budget and appoint a new District 6 director before the end of June.
New program puts Oakland high schoolers in the teachers’ seat
The internship started as a way to address learning loss and understaffing at elementary schools.
Baby formula shortage: An Oakland maternity nurse shares tips and resources
Don’t dilute baby formula, avoid homemade recipes, and more advice for caregivers in need.
Here’s how to apply for the vacant seat on the OUSD school board
Applications from District 6 residents are due by June 1. Positions in the district’s civilian committees are also available.
City Council will declare Oakland a pro-choice sanctuary city
With Roe v. Wade’s future in jeopardy, Oakland leaders pledge to protect abortion and other reproductive health-care rights.
McClymonds High School community has high hopes for campus overhaul
The historically Black school in West Oakland is receiving $65 million in Measure Y funding for long-needed upgrades. School leaders hope the improvements will lead to higher enrollment.
Meet the Oakland rep running unopposed on the Alameda County Board of Education
Joaquín Rivera has been on the ACOE board since 2010, and said this will be his last term.
OUSD board member Shanthi Gonzales resigns
In a letter Monday, Gonzales condemned a lack of focus on student academic success and intimidation tactics by those who disagree with the board’s school closures plan.
‘We’re going to continue to fight’: Oakland teachers strike over school closures
A last-minute effort by OUSD to stop the one-day strike failed on Thursday.
Concern over graduation rates, Black student achievement lead debate at OUSD board meeting
The superintendent and most board members avoided discussion of this Friday’s one-day strike by the teachers union to protest school closures.
OUSD to families: Keep students home this Friday
Oakland teachers announced a one-day strike over school closures, and district leaders say they won’t be able to cover staff absences.
Paul Quinn College, a Texas HBCU, has its eyes on Oakland
The school is seeking an expansion that would make it the first undergraduate historically Black college in the state.