Community

OUSD Teachers, Parents, Ask for Weekly COVID-19 Testing

In an effort to ensure safety as the Delta variant has caused a surge in COVID-19 cases both nationally and locally, Oakland parents and teachers are asking the Oakland Unified School District to provide weekly COVID-19 tests to all students and staff.

Published

5 years ago

August 20, 2021

Christy Price

Oakland Unified School District teachers, parents, and students hold signs at a protest outside of School Board President Shanthi Gonzalez's home on August 6. They demanded expanded COVID-19 related safety measures, including weekly testing at all school sites for all staff and students. Photo by Zack Haber.

“I think that anyone who is going to be spending any extended period of time in a school site should be tested,” said Megan Bumpus, a fifth-grade teacher at Reach Academy, and a parent to two students at another OUSD elementary school.

Last week, two students in her class tested positive for COVID-19. Since these students sit next to each other in her classroom, she suspects the transmission happened at school. On August 16, in reaction to the positive cases, nursing staff came to her school to give all students in her class COVID tests. But Bumpus feels these tests should have happened earlier.

“If everybody had got tested right before the first day of school, I think we’d all be in a much better place,” she said.

Other OUSD community members agree with Bumpus and think testing should be expanded.

OUSD teacher and parent Olivia Udovic started a petition that asks for weekly COVID-19 testing at all district schools. It currently has over 1,500 signatures.

On the evening of August 6, the last weekday before the start of the OUSD school year, a crowd of about 20 people made up almost entirely of OUSD teachers, students, and staff protested outside of Board President Shanthi Gonzales’s home to demand expanded COVID-19 safety measures. Weekly COVID-19 testing at every school site was a key demand.

“In order to keep our families safe and let folks know what precautions they need to take, we need to know if there are positive cases,” said OUSD parent Mona Trevino at the protest. “If they make it impossible for us to get that information, we could have a lot of sick kids and parents on our hands.

The Oakland Post also received six e-mails forwarded to us from parents and/or OUSD teachers who had written to the school board asking for expanded COVID safety measures, including demands for weekly testing. Several pointed out that the Los Angeles Unified School District is both providing testing and requiring all school staff and students who participate in in-person schooling to be tested on a weekly basis for the virus.

When asked about COVID testing in Oakland schools, Gonzales wrote in an e-mail to The Oakland Post, “We are following guidance from the State Department of Public Health. As those guidelines change, we will continue to be responsive.” She also pointed out that OUSD has upgraded their ventilation systems, enforces masking requirements, and has upgraded contact tracing measures.

LAUSD tested 81% of staff and students just before their school year started. Of those tested, .8% of them, over 3,600 people, tested positive for COVID-19. Unlike LAUSD, OUSD is not proactively testing asymptomatic people unless they knowingly come into contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. But, when staff and students do get tested, OUSD is tracking positive cases in the district and releasing that data on a weekly basis.

According to data released on Monday morning, 58 students and 10 OUSD staff members tested positive for COVID-19 during the first week of school, which started August 9. The data lists Reach Academy as having four positive COVID cases, but Bumpus reports that by the end of the school day on Monday, two additional students tested positive.

The site with the highest number of positive cases, according to OUSD’s data, is Oakland High School, where 16 people tested positive and one classroom of students are not currently reporting to school, as the district asked them to go into a full at-home quarantine. A similar quarantine period is occurring with a classroom of students at Montclair Elementary School, where five people tested positive for the virus.

In reaction to the initial positive cases at Oakland High School, OUSD greatly expanded testing on the site, which led to more cases being discovered. Oakland High School music teacher David Byrd compared the situation at his school to a nuclear disaster, and suggested if testing were expanded, another school could also be revealed to be in such a dire situation.

“Oakland High School is the Chernobyl of the COVID outbreak in OUSD,” he wrote on Facebook on Monday. “But, if every other school were testing like us, another site would be the Fukushima.”

OUSD Director of Communications John Sasaki said that the district is already making COVID-19 tests available to students and staff.

“At-home rapid antigen tests will be available for pick-up at each school site for those who develop symptoms during the day, or if they have another reason to get tested, such as if they have been exposed or if they are unvaccinated,” Sasaki wrote in an email to The Oakland Post. Onsite testing is also available in 10 of the district’s 118 schools.

District 5 School Board Director Mike Hutchinson wrote a resolution that, if passed, would direct Superintendent Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell to ensure that COVID-19 tests be offered on a weekly basis to all students and staff, regardless of vaccination status.

Language from the resolution points out that “federal and state funds have been provided to help school districts cover the cost of COVID testing.” Unlike the current policy in Los Angeles public schools, Hutchinson’s resolution would not require students to take weekly COVID tests.

It would only offer the tests and parents would have the option of opting their students out, unless public health guidelines change to recommend all students be required to be tested weekly, which is currently not the case on the county, state or national level.

Hutchinson introduced the resolution during the August 11 school board meeting, but board president Gonzales did not put it on the agenda, so the board did not vote on it.

In an e-mail written August 6 that responded to a concerned OUSD parent and teacher, District 1 School Board Director Sam Davis claimed he believed it was important for the district to take “a more proactive stance on testing.”

“There are already at-home test kits available at every school,” he wrote, “but I think we need to go a step further and have staff provide tests to students at every school site on a regular basis, so that we can catch cases before they turn into outbreaks.”

In an e-mail to The Oakland Post, Davis clarified that he believed “we only need widespread testing of students during periods of high incidence such as what we are experiencing now.”

The next OUSD school board meeting is August 25. Unless an emergency meeting is announced, that would be the next time Hutchinson’s resolution requiring COVID-19 testing be offered on a weekly basis could be voted on.

In the meantime, Bumpus is still worried about COVID-19 spreading in OUSD schools through people having COVID-19 while not being aware that they are carrying the virus.

“Having to focus on this right now is awful. I can barely focus on lesson planning,” said Bumpus. “When it comes to testing, it doesn’t feel right not to air on the side of caution.”

The Oakland Post’s coverage of local news in Alameda County is supported by the Ethnic Media Sustainability Initiative, a program created by California Black Media and Ethnic Media Services to support community newspapers across California.

Christy Price

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Asm. Corey Jackson Announces Launch of 24-Hour Childcare in His District

Assemblymember Corey Jackson has secured $2 million in state funding for a proposed childcare special district in Moreno Valley and Perris. This funding aims to establish a system providing 24-hour, seven-day-a-week childcare, which would be California’s first special district focused solely on childcare. The initiative seeks to address the area’s designation as a “childcare desert” and high costs for working families. The funding will cover startup, planning, and formation costs for the district. Read more about the specifics of this groundbreaking initiative.

Published

11 hours ago

September 28, 2026

Post News Group

Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley). File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) has secured $2 million in state funding to launch a proposed childcare special district serving families in Moreno Valley and Perris, paving the way for a system designed to provide childcare 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Moreno Valley-Perris Childcare Special District would be the first special district in California focused specifically on childcare, according to Jackson’s office. The state funding will cover startup, planning, and formation costs and help the district meet requirements set by the Riverside Local Agency Formation Commission, or LAFCO.

The proposed district would coordinate a mixed-delivery childcare system that could include home-based and center-based care. The goal is to provide universal childcare for families who work overnight, early morning, or other nontraditional shifts.

Jackson’s office says Moreno Valley is a certified “childcare desert,” with licensed childcare spaces available for only 15% of children with working parents. Infant care in Moreno Valley averages $2,776 a month, or about 35.7% of median household income. In Perris, licensed infant care can cost more than 60% of an individual worker’s gross median earnings, according to the assemblymember’s office.

“Securing this $2 million in startup funding is a monumental victory for the working-class families of Moreno Valley and Perris who have been trapped in a childcare desert for far too long,” Jackson said.

The proposal follows Jackson’s unsuccessful effort to establish the district through Assembly Bill 2083. The legislation would have created the district as a dependent special district covering Moreno Valley, Perris and their spheres of influence, with Riverside LAFCO responsible for reviewing its formation and boundaries.

The new funding allows the district’s formation to move forward without requiring mandatory contributions from local school districts and other stakeholders, according to Jackson’s office. His spokesperson, Daniel Peeden, said Jackson hopes the district can be operating by 2028.

The proposal has faced questions from some local officials. Moreno Valley City Councilmember Ed Delgado, who is running against Jackson for the 60th Assembly District seat, said he supports affordable childcare but questioned how the proposed district would operate and how much it would ultimately cost.

“Basically, he didn’t have a plan. We didn’t see a plan,” Delgado said, adding that officials had questions about operating costs, insurance and eligibility.

“It’s going to take a lot more than $2 million to create a special district to provide affordable childcare,” Delgado said.

Delgado has suggested working with existing childcare centers to subsidize costs for local families rather than creating a new agency.

Jackson’s office says the program will lower barriers to “workforce participation” and reduce “affordability anxiety” for young families. This landmark District is poised to trigger a virtuous cycle of economic upward mobility and long-term regional prosperity in the 60th Assembly District, his office added.

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Black History

IN MEMORIAM: The Rev. Leon “Sonny” Clark, Longtime Orange County Pastor and Community Leader, Dies at 72

Rev. Leon William “Sonny” Clark, the longtime pastor of New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana and a prominent faith and community leader in Orange County, passed away on September 9 at the age of 72. Born in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Clark was a U.S. Navy veteran who dedicated his life to service. He served various Southern California churches before leading New Spirit Baptist Church for over 22 years, extending his work into counseling, mentoring, and civic engagement, and supporting the African American community. To learn more about his life and contributions, read more.

Published

12 hours ago

September 28, 2026

Post News Group

The Rev. Leon “Sonny” Clark. File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Rev. Leon William “Sonny” Clark, longtime pastor of New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana and a respected faith and community leader in Orange County, died Sept. 9. He was 72.

Born Oct. 2, 1953, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Clark was a U.S. Navy veteran who later built a life of service centered on family, faith, ministry, and community.

Clark began his formal ministry at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena in 1978. After acknowledging his call to ministry in 1980, he preached his first sermon and went on to serve churches throughout Southern California, including Second Baptist Church in Riverside, Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Rubidoux, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Pomona, and Friendship Baptist Church in Yorba Linda.

In November 2003, Clark was called to lead New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana, where he served as pastor for more than 22 years. His work extended beyond the pulpit through counseling, mentoring, civic engagement, and efforts to strengthen Orange County’s African American community.

Clark served on the Orange County Heritage Council and supported efforts to preserve and celebrate African American history and culture. He helped organize the Orange County Black History Parade and Unity Festival, served on the Interfaith Committee and the Orange County Transit Authority, and served as president of the Orange County Ministers Conference.

In 2024, the City of Santa Ana recognized Clark for his contributions to the community. He also received the Orange County Southern Baptist Association Hall of Faith Award and was previously honored as Pastor of the Year by the Orange County Heritage Council.

Clark is survived by his wife, Andrea Joyles Clark; six children, Shawn Williams, Le Ondra Clark Harvey, Kyla Coward, Joshua Clark, Marissa Clark and Ashley Clark; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings; extended family; and the New Spirit Baptist Church congregation.

A wake will be held Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. at New Spirit Baptist Church, 701 S. Sullivan St. in Santa Ana, with a remembrance service from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, Oct. 2, at Friendship Baptist Church, 17145 Bastanchury Road in Yorba Linda. Viewing begins at noon, followed by the service at 1 p.m.

Burial will take place Monday, Oct. 5, at 10:15 a.m. at Riverside National Cemetery.

Clark often shared a guiding principle that shaped his ministry: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

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Business

From Historic Memories to New Possibilities: Oakland Celebrates Coliseum 60

More than 75 people gathered at Youth UpRising in East Oakland on Friday, September 18, for Coliseum 60, an event marking six decades of sports, entertainment, employment, and community memories at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Complex. Held 60 years to the day after the Coliseum first opened, the celebration featured cultural performances and a mini-documentary highlighting its history. Speakers reflected on the venue’s significant role in the community and its future possibilities. Read more to learn about the individuals and stories honored during this special event.

Published

13 hours ago

September 27, 2026

Post News Group

Quixote Atkins of VillageGIVE moderates a panel discussion at the Coliseum 60 celebration at Youth UpRising featuring Keith Brown, a member of IATSE Local 107; author, historian and former Black Panther Party member Tareka Lewis; and African American Sports and Entertainment Group President Ray Bobbitt.

By Carla Thomas

More than 75 people gathered at Youth UpRising in East Oakland on Friday, Sept. 18, for Coliseum 60, a celebration honoring six decades of sports, entertainment, employment and community memories connected to the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Complex.

Held 60 years to the day after the Coliseum opened, the event carried the theme, “One Community. One Legacy. One Future. Forward Together.”

The celebration opened with the national anthem performed by sisters Anese Jade, Amina Benjamin and Zaza Benjamin. Diamano Coura West African Dance Company contributed African dance and drumming, bringing movement, rhythm and cultural expression to the program.

A mini documentary highlighted the Coliseum’s sports history and its broader role as an entertainment destination. Archival material recalled performances by Prince and Tina Turner, along with memorable games featuring the Warriors, Oakland A’s and Raiders.

“The Coliseum 60 is about much more than celebrating a building or looking back at 60 years of history,” said event organizer Quixote Atkins of VillageGIVE.

“It’s about the people who made that history possible: the families, workers, athletes, artists, community leaders, fans and generations who gathered there and created memories together.”

A panel exploring that history featured author, historian and former Black Panther Party member Tareka Lewis; stagehand and union representative Keith Brown; and Ray Bobbitt, president of the African American Sports and Entertainment Group AASEG. Lewis described her family as fourth-generation Bay Area pioneers.

“My family and Black families who arrived even earlier helped build the Bay Area, grew businesses and established culture here,” Lewis said. “This should be taught in the public schools.”

Lewis recalled Oakland’s influence on sports, music and literature, from the Raiders’ beginnings at Laney College to stars such as The Pointer Sisters and Rickey Henderson who attended Oakland public schools. She also advocated for school museums, historical timelines, entrepreneurship training and investments benefiting corridors such as Bancroft Avenue and High Street.

Keith Brown, a member of Local 107 of the International Alliance of Theater and Stage Employees (IATSE) who began working at the Coliseum in 2011, remembered the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the Ice Capades, baseball bat giveaways and Nelson Mandela’s 1990 appearance.

“The special events are amazing, but it’s the workers that make the memories real for everyone,” Brown said. “They make the magic happen at the Coliseum.”

The program recognized longtime workers, including beer-stand manager Robert Preston, who served for 40 years, and Kenyatta Gentry, who worked as a vendor for 24 years and used her earnings to purchase her first apartment. Union workers Jose Gonzales and Carmen Sandoval were also honored. Speakers emphasized that Coliseum employment provided generations of residents with union wages and benefits.

Dr. Denise Saddler, the superintendent of the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) was also honored. Saddler shared her family’s history of working at the Coliseum.

District 7 Oakland City Councilmember Ken Houston discussed the complex ownership arrangements involving the city, county and private interests.

“This was the most complex deal of its kind in the country,” Houston said.

Prior to moving from the East Coast, Alameda County Supervisor and Coliseum Joint Powers Authority Chair Nate Miley recalled learning about Oakland through its three professional sports teams. As an elected official and public servant, Miley fought hard to keep the Golden State Warriors, Oakland As, and the Raiders, but he is hopeful for the future.

“The story is not over for the Coliseum,” Miley said. “We’re entering a new chapter.”

Bobbitt said the departure of three teams had once seemed unimaginable, but he maintained that Oakland’s future remains bright.

“Oakland is a cultural superpower worldwide,” Bobbitt said. “We’re going to write the future where we participate and drive the redevelopment.”

Bobbitt highlighted AASEG’s four-year partnership with Castlemont High School’s architecture program, which engages students in reimagining and creating redevelopment concepts for the Coliseum property. “The youth will always move us forward. They are the future.”

In closing, Atkins said, “September 18 is the celebration, but what we build together afterward is the legacy.”