The All Kids Coalition
Editor’s Note: This post was first published April 25, 2012
The All Kids Coalition has been organizing since October for a policy that increases local school decision-making power regarding budget, staffing, curriculum, and time.
Just a few minutes ago, it passed at the school board by a vote of 7 to 0!
It did not happen by accident. Over the last several months, more than 2,500 Oaklanders signed petitions, hundreds came to organizing and school board meetings, dozens testified, and many organizations and leaders worked to support them.
The policy affirms that “those closest to students at a school – employees, parents, students, community partners – are generally in the best position to know the specific academic, social, and emotional needs of their students, and how best to address those needs.”
Information on the campaign and policy can be found here: 1) the new policy, 2) implementation resolution, and 3) “All Kids” coalition values.
Superintendent Tony Smith will now create a specific plan to implement the policy (including negotiating aligned agreements with labor unions) and give school communities a greater say in how to educate their children in the areas of Budget, Curriculum, Staffing, and Schedule. In addition, implementation of the new policy will allow school staff more freedom to innovate while advancing OUSD’s Thriving Students vision of full service community schools.
Thanks for all that you did to make this happen. Today is a day to celebrate.