Theresa Harrington
Theresa covers Oakland Unified and West Contra Costa Unified, among other topics. She came to EdSource from the Contra Costa Times/Bay Area News Group, where she covered regional, statewide and national education issues. She has been recognized with multiple awards for her education reporting by the California Newspaper Publishers Association, the San Francisco Peninsula Press Club and the California Teachers Association among others. She began her career as a producer managing children’s and other educational programming and print outreach for KQED. Theresa is an alumna of San Francisco State University where she received a B.A. degree in broadcast communications.
All articles by Theresa Harrington
Oakland school board delays budget cuts amid complaints of lack of details
For months the district warned it needed to cut $30 million from its 2019-20 budget. When a plan to cut a lower amount came before them, the board put off a vote amid complaints that members didn't know how the cuts would impact students and schools. About 100 staffers, most from the central office, are slated to lose their jobs.
Theresa Harrington
February 12, 2019
Oakland teachers vote overwhelmingly to authorize a strike and win city council support
Oakland teachers voted overwhelmingly to support a strike if their union can't negotiate a new contract. They rallied Tuesday outside Oakland city hall and won support from the city council which has no authority to settle the contract dispute with the Oakland Unified School District. A strike can not legally occur until after Feb. 15 when a neutral fact-finding report is expected to be issued.
Theresa Harrington
February 5, 2019
Oakland school board votes to close first of up to two dozen schools amid opposition
The Oakland school board voted Monday to close the first of up to 24 schools in the next five years due to budget constraints and low enrollment.
Theresa Harrington
January 29, 2019
Bay Area district and charter schools strut their stuff side by side in effort to attract students
West Contra Costa Unified schools and charter schools participate together in first-ever education fair to help educate parents about their options.
Theresa Harrington
January 29, 2019
Planned school closures in Oakland Unified have parents, teachers and community members on edge
Oakland Unified faces a budget deficit, in part because students are choosing charter and private schools. The district enrolls only 58 percent of the nearly 63,000 school-age children who live in Oakland.
Theresa Harrington
January 24, 2019
Oakland Unified looks to higher teacher pay to improve student learning as teachers threaten to strike
Teachers' union has threatened to strike after rejecting the district's offer of a 5 percent salary increase. Both sides must first participate in a fact-finding with a three-member independent panel.
Theresa Harrington
January 13, 2019
Teachers in Oakland gearing up for possible strike
Oakland Unified teachers union president says educators are “fed up” with low salaries and poor working conditions.
Theresa Harrington
December 20, 2018
Los Angeles teachers plan to strike Jan. 10, union says
After fact finder agrees with district's salary offer, union accuses district of failing to bargain in good faith and refuses further talks.
Theresa Harrington
December 20, 2018
Latinas for the first time make up majority of Bay Area school board
The West Contra Costa Unified School Board for the first time in its history has a Latina majority who will now join in the tough task of making $12 million in budget cuts to help pay for salary increases for teachers and other employees in a region with soaring housing costs.
Theresa Harrington
December 4, 2018
As new school board members go, Oakland Unified's Gary Yee brings unusual depth of experience
Gary Yee, a former interim superintendent, principal, teacher and board member, was coaxed out of retirement to run for the board. He says he wants to be seen as a "village elder" on education issues.
Theresa Harrington
November 18, 2018
Charter school supporters and critics are big spenders in some Bay Area school board elections
School board races in Oakland Unified and West Contra Costa Unified attract contributions
Theresa Harrington
November 3, 2018
Oakland risks state takeover if it fails to make budget cuts, state and county officials warn
District is surveying community and board plans to hear feedback from public on proposed budget cuts at meeting next month.
Theresa Harrington
October 30, 2018
Oakland Unified proposes to cut central office jobs to help balance next year's budget
District proposes cuts of $7 million to central services and $3 million to schools, along with $6.5 million in other spending reductions or savings.
Theresa Harrington
October 22, 2018
Bay Area district faces challenges in attempt to shut down a charter school
District leaders hope state committee reviewing charter school laws will look at grounds for revoking charters and financial impact on districts.
Theresa Harrington
October 16, 2018
Rejecting one-size-fits-all approach, California governor vetoes later school start time bill
SB 328 would have mandated 8:30 a.m. or later start times for most middle and high schools in the state, based on teen sleep deprivation research.