O'Connell Misstep Contradicts his Role, Directing Matthews to Give Parcel Tax Funds to Charters Sets Bad Precedent

Educational excellence, opportunity and equity for all children are values that serve as the hallmark for public education. I applaud Superintendent of

Public Instruction, Jack O’Connell for his ongoing work to champion public education – working to reduce the achievement gap and to fight for education funding.  It is within this context that I am alarmed by his recent unilateral decision to redirect nearly $500,000 away from the Oakland Unified School District to charter schools.  The decision runs counter to his role to help the district achieve its multi-year recovery plan, jeopardizes years of positive mutual efforts to return the district to local control and, above all, sets bad precedent for future actions of state administrators.

As County Superintendent responsible for fiscal oversight and charged with working collaboratively with the state takeover in Oakland, I object to the recent mandate issued to Administrator/Trustee Vince Matthews to reallocate $60 per enrolled student to charter schools. The priority of the state administrator is to develop a multi-year fiscal recovery plan and ensure that it is implemented. O’Connell’s directive to Vince Matthews contradicts the goal of fiscal recovery of the district – the sole reason the district was taken over by the state.

The question of student equity is an important one. Schools throughout California are struggling to make ends meet in light of increasing cuts to education.  As Superintendent of Alameda County schools, it is my charge to work proactively to support the financial stability of every district in the county. I question the mid-year transfer of nearly half a million dollars out of district schools as an unnecessary hardship for a beleaguered district.

This is not an anti-charter issue; few would argue that every child in Oakland deserves a quality education.  In these tough economic times, it is important that we work together to ensure that charter schools serving Oakland youth get a share of parcel tax funds through a planned process that will not jeopardize the financial stability of the district.

During this time of unprecedented mid-year and ongoing cuts, we are all stressed to find ways to stay afloat. There are difficult decisions to be made. O’Connell should suspend his directive and work with district officials on an alternative plan of action.  This is an opportunity to work together to develop a stable environment with solid systems to return the schools back to local control on a sound fiscal basis.

I urge the public to voice their opinion on this issue; educational leaders need to hear from you.

Sincerely,
Sheila Jordan
Alameda County Superintendent of Schools