Oakland Unified Schools members join coalition lobby day at the capitol, demand full Prop 98 funding for OUSD and California schools
On May 7, SEIU Local 1021 Oakland Unified School District Chapter President Trish Belenson and Alameda County COPE Delegate Juan “Carlos” Ocasio joined OUSD labor leaders from CTA, OEA, AFSCME, and BCTC, along with Superintendent Dr. Saddler, Board President Jennifer Brouhard, Board Vice President Valarie Bachelor, and Oakland City Council President Kevin Jenkins, to advocate for full Prop 98 funds for California schools.
The coalition also included Richard Barrera, current San Diego Unified School District Board President and State Superintendent Candidate, SEIU Local 99, UTLA, and other LAUSD leaders.
Governor Newsom’s threat to withhold $5.6 billion from California schools in Prop 98 funds greatly impacts Oakland schools, students, and education workers, specifically impacting OUSD with a $27 million cut in public funds.
The coalition spent the day lobbying and met with the Office of Governor Newsom, State Senator Jesse Arreguín, Assemblymember Mia Bonta, and Assemblymember Liz Ortega. Heartfelt, impassioned stories were shared of the challenges schools, students, and workers face when education funding is not secure. The coalition took to the capitol lawn for a press conference to report on the day and make it clear why every dollar matters for Oakland and California schools.
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