December 4, 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

November 18, 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 3, 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

October 30, 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 22, 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 16, 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

September 18, 2018

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 12, 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 7, 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

August 31, 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 29, 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 27, 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 23, 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 9, 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

July 24, 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