What the school leaders and the city of Oakland do have long -term containers.
Take the apparent rash and confusion of Kyla Johnson-Trammel, the oldest school superintendent of Oakland in 65 years. I join a fixed coalition of civic leaders by praising their firm leadership, which includes increasing the district’s graduation rate from 70% to 80%, and the participation of eligible graduates for Cu from 35% to almost 50%. Johnson-Trammel last year announced his planned departure from the position and was already in a contract for a game in stages, which the Board approved only months ago. This agreement was wisely designed to support both the superintendent and a relatively new school board.
Instead, it seems that the directors of the Rachel Latta school, Jennifer Bruhard, Vinedric Williams and Valarie Bachelor voted to finish their contract without public warning or explanation. This sends a repellent message to the maximum that also triggers an unnecessary payment of compensation of at least $ 250,000.
Similarly, last year, members of the City Council of Oakland adopted an irresponsible budget despite the warnings of their professional finance staff. Your decision will cost Oakland taxpayers in the coming years. The S&P and Fitch rating agencies reduced the city’s credit rating, with Fitch citing “elected leaders” of irresoludas decision -making in the closing budget gaps. “
The effect of that reduction now is to be so in. The City Council ordered the staff to issue $ 200 million in bonds of the U. Money. The money of Borret will pay the payment for the repairs of roads and affordable homes, which the voters stoned in 2016 and then were renewed in 2022. But the staff estimates that the recent Oakland credit reduction will increase the costs of the bonds. That is $ 60 million in higher interest payments, which will be added to property tax bills, which could have avoided bone.
I think that all Oakland leaders care deeply about our city and want to do the best. I hope that the lasting impact of their decisions will be more complete and get more closely involved with experienced professionals who have dedicated their careers to help Oakland prosper.
Libby Schaaf served as mayor of Oakland of 2015-2023.