OAKLAND, Calif. — (OAKLAND, Calif.) -- A teachers' union led a one-day strike in Oakland, California, on Friday to protest what they say are unfair labor practices over school closures within the Oakland Unified School District.
The school district blames low attendance and financial woes for its decision to close several schools in the city. The Oakland Education Association says the OUSD decision violates a 2019 agreement from a previous teacher strike to give adequate notice before closures and allow time for community impact assessments.
"While most students across the District stayed home today with excused absences, some did come to school. Our focus right now is ensuring that they are having a positive experience on campus," the statement said. Jennifer Brouhard, a teacher at La Escuelita Elementary School, slammed the superintendent’s criticism that the strike will hurt the school district.
“I don't think the district values black and brown families. I don't think they value these communities. This isn't the first time school closures have happened in the same kind of community…You have to look at the cost of the community and I think if you’re just shuffling these kids around, it’s really saying that they don't matter,” Brouhard said.
Corin Haskell, a science teacher at Brookfield Elementary, said the school’s closure, which is slated to happen next year, will disrupt the surrounding community.
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