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
California governor signs bill that could yield millions for Oakland and Inglewood schools
Two districts facing budget deficits get state budget lifeline, but only if they make changes.
Theresa Harrington
September 18, 2018
Teachers getting help to buy homes in California's hot housing market
California housing programs help teachers and other school staffers who meet income limits to purchase homes. Assistance includes down payment and closing costs.
Theresa Harrington
September 12, 2018
Both sides lobbying California governor on bill to delay school start time for teens
A champion of local control, Gov. Brown must weigh whether state should require school districts to delay start times for teens. Advocates say research shows benefits of more sleep.
Theresa Harrington
September 9, 2018
California State Board of Education denies Rocketship charter school expansion bid
Some California State Board of Education members questioned Rocketship's capacity to expand, citing concerns about finances and educational programs.
Theresa Harrington
September 7, 2018
California poised to help Oakland and Inglewood dig out of budget deficits but with strings attached
Proposed legislation related to districts in fiscal distress would provide state aid to cover a portion of future deficits.
Theresa Harrington
August 31, 2018
Oakland Raiders donation to help save after-school sports in Oakland Unified
The Bay Area district is seeking donations to offset a $500,000 budget cut that originally would have eliminated 10 sports.
Theresa Harrington
August 29, 2018
Amid backlash over cuts especially for girls sports, Oakland Unified restores girls’ golf, tennis and lacrosse
District scrambles to comply with Title IX requirements, seeks donations to keep other sports alive.
Theresa Harrington
August 27, 2018
Oakland Unified lacks funds to pay for all capital projects so board halts some
Bay Area district hopes city voters will approve a new bond measure in the future to pay for projects not completed through Measure J funds.
Theresa Harrington
August 23, 2018
Oakland Unified may eliminate nearly 340 positions in one year to stay fiscally solvent
District adopts revised three-year budget after Alameda County Office of Education rejected budget adopted in June.
Theresa Harrington
August 9, 2018
Complaint spurs Bay Area district to provide parents with more timely accountability data
West Contra Costa Unified will give community committee updated information by November, according to settlement agreement.
Theresa Harrington
July 24, 2018
Oakland charter school approved amid concerns over fiscal impact on district
California Department of Education official calls state's charter school laws outdated and says they are in need of revision.
Theresa Harrington
July 17, 2018
Higher pay, smaller classes, housing perks in San Francisco Bay Area district’s plan to attract teachers
West Contra Costa Unified has also launched a recruiting website and added new teacher training to attract and retain educators.
Theresa Harrington
July 5, 2018
Oakland Unified needs to close schools and reform fiscal practices to stay solvent, county civil grand jury concludes
Panel issues nine recommendations aimed at improving budget oversight and reducing number of schools.
Theresa Harrington
June 27, 2018
Teachers in Oakland among others pushing for pay raises from California districts in fiscal crisis
Inspired by successful strikes in other states, teachers from Southern California to the Bay Area are threatening fall strikes.
Theresa Harrington
June 24, 2018
Oakland Unified chided for 'highly unusual' and 'suspicious' fiscal practices
A fiscal analysis by an independent agency says the district is in “financial distress.”