News

We made it! The 2024-25 school year comes to a close today and I want to congratulate our students, families, staff and community on another successful year of teaching, learning and thriving. Cheers to all of our students, and especially those promoting to a new school or graduating from high school. It’s such a pleasure to witness the absolute joy and confidence on the faces of our young people as they stride across the stage to the cheers of their family and friends.

We are now on a much deserved break from school and work. Like you, I celebrated Cesar Chavez Day on Friday, and I honor the change he fought for across the country, and the power with which his legacy continues to champion workers’ rights.

Few people have had a larger impact on the “noble struggle for equal rights” than a man born in Atlanta in 1929, who went on to become one of the most powerful voices for justice, equality, and nonviolence.

As we head into the winter break, I want to congratulate our students and staff on another successful fall semester. There is nothing I like more than visiting our campuses and seeing the joyful teaching and learning taking place.

The first day of school is always one of the most exciting times in any school district, and that’s especially true in Oakland. It’s a day when students and staff come back together, most after not seeing each other since the previous school year.