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Oakland Teachers Avert Strike With Tentative Two-Year Deal as OUSD Moves to Issue 400 Layoff Notices

How to pay for the raises remains unsettled as districts across California send preliminary layoff notices to close deep deficits tied to shrinking enrollment and expiring one-time funds.

Educators and supporters gather during public comment in a meeting of the Oakland Unified school board on Wednesday.
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Counselor Catherine Cotter, center, gives support to student Melayah Cleveland, left, while fellow student Ashley Vega addresses the board during public comment Wednesday night in a meeting of the Oakland Unified school board.

Overview

  • Union leaders announced the agreement around 3 a.m. after 18 hours of bargaining, with raises of 13% for top-step educators and 11% for others plus added supports such as lower counselor-to-student ratios and stipends for key roles.
  • The pact still requires ratification by Oakland Education Association members and approval by the school board before it takes effect.
  • The Oakland Unified board approved sending roughly 400 preliminary layoff notices projected to save about $11 million, affecting roles including counselors, tutors, nurses, custodians and various school-site and central-office staff.
  • District officials cite a roughly $100 million structural deficit and a steep enrollment drop from about 54,000 to 34,000 students, and state law requires preliminary notices by March 15 that can later be adjusted.
  • Uncertainty persists over financing the wage hikes, with district estimates putting the cost of an 11% raise at more than $55 million, as similar layoff actions advance in Pasadena (>160 notices for a $30 million shortfall) and Alum Rock (43 positions cut, up to 38 employees affected).