Student Recommendations for the OUSD Budget All-City Council Presentation to Board of Education February 26, 2003

Superintendent Chaconas All-City Council Resolution Whereas, Superintendent Chaconas is a graduate of the Oakland Unified School District, and Whereas, he has worked with the Oakland Unified School District and its students for over 20 years, and Whereas, he has served in positions at every level of this school district, and Whereas, OUSD students have shown significant improvement in standardized testing scores during his term as superintendent, and Whereas, he values the opinions of students and understands the significance of student in this district; therefore be it Resolved, that All-City Council supports Superintendent Chaconas and recommends to the California Superintendent of Instruction that Mr. Chaconas remain superintendent of the OUSD. Passed by All-City Council on Feb. 4, 2003: 7 schools represented, unanimous vote.

Proposed Cuts and Alternatives Office personnel  Office personnel with undefined roles or roles that can be replaced by students should be removed.  Alternative - have IWE’s take over some positions in the office. Cafeteria Expenses   OUSD lost approximately 3 million dollars last year for cafeteria expenses.   One of the causes for truancy is students don’t like the food served at the school cafeteria.   Alternative – Allow outside vendors that provides deli style sandwiches, pizza, fried chicken, Mexican food, BBQ, etc.

Proposed Cuts and Alternatives Graffiti painters  Money is spent on removing graffiti frequently.  Alternative – Create community service projects  Alternative – Paint a mural on the walls to prevent graffiti. Allow seniors to paint murals for their senior projects. School Administration   Less bureaucracy, consolidation of administrative positions (i.e. Fewer assistant principals)   Alternative – Allow students to take some responsibility such as truancy, mock court, litter, etc.

Proposed Cuts and Alternatives School Security Officers   SSOs are at schools to create a positive school climate, eliminate fights, and truancy. These issues can be addressed by students and school staff.   Alternative – Develop a conflict management program.   Alternative - Leadership class can sponsor an ongoing campaign addressing truancy and positive school climate. P.E. classes   Alternative – Minimize the amount of P.E. classes by allowing students who play on a sports team to receive P.E. credit.

Additional Funding Sources  Develop partnerships with local merchants and business owners (i.e.. donations, sponsorship, coupons, etc.)  Allow outside venders to sell food at school cafeteria. Negotiate a certain percentage of profits to go to each school’s account.  Sponsor city-wide fundraising events such as poetry slams, talent shows, dances, etc.  Apply for grants for student programs and activities.

Reasons and Solutions for Truancy Food   Students leave campus to buy food during lunch or passing period. If the student feels he or she will be late anyway, they cut.   Solution - Allow outside venders to sell food during lunch to encourage students to stay on campus. ‘Unproductive’ Teachers   Students feel that going to certain classes is pointless because the class is boring and unproductive.   Solution - Teachers should teach their students something new everyday so that the students know that they would be missing out if they cut.   Solution – Use different teaching styles to fit the group of students (i.e.. Lectures or interactive teaching methods)

Reasons and Solutions for Truancy Substitute Teachers   Students cut classes with substitute teachers. Also, students go to the classes where substitutes are teaching.   A Scheduling   Students cut classes after completing finals, because they think going to class isn’t necessary.   Students who have a free period after lunch occasionally cut the last class of the day because they don’t want to come back to school.   Solution - Create a schedule where students do not have to attend class after taking their finals and change the lunch schedule.

Reasons and Solutions for Truancy Lack of consequences   Students don’t feel that there are any consequences if they cut class, they can still pass the class.   Solution – Develop and maintain a district policy for unexcused class absences (i.e. if students miss more than 8 days, student grades should reflect absences.) Peer Pressure   If a student’s friend decided to cut class, then he or she is also pressured to cut class.   Solution - Develop Positive Attendance campaigns.   Solution - SSOs need to enforce school attendance policies.

All-City Council Governing Board Niema Jordan - President Joshua Dodds - Vice President Iminah Ahmad - Secretary Chanelle Easley - Treasurer Claudia McClure - Historian Vanessa Lee – Parliamentarian Leon Breckenridge – Public Relations Michelle Lei – School Board Representative Melissa Margain – School Board Representative Michele Levine – Youth Leadership Coordinator