Oakland (Special to ZennieReport.com) – We write to you as community organizers and advocates representing the voices of OUSD families and students. We are deeply troubled by the Board’s April 23rd vote (4–3) to terminate Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell—an abrupt and destabilizing decision that has left a leadership vacuum in our district.
Superintendent Johnson-Trammell’s contributions were not only historic but stabilizing. She successfully led OUSD out of 22 years of state receivership and oversaw a $100 million state loan repayment—an extraordinary accomplishment for our district. Her removal, two years before he contract was set to end, was executed without a clear succession plan and has triggered widespread concern throughout our community for the past few weeks. Many now question whether this was a decision made in the best interests of our students, or one influenced by political agendas and behind- the-scenes union maneuvering.
Since that vote, the continued lack of accountability and transparency has only deepened public mistrust. Families remain in the dark despite repeated calls for openness and inclusive engagement.
We have urged the Board to:
- Provide timely and clear communication to parents regarding leadership changes.
- Ensure transparency in all discussions surrounding the appointment of an interim or permanent
superintendent. - Form a diverse search committee that includes parents and community leaders to reflect the
voices and values of Oakland. - To date, these requests remain unmet.
The May 28th meeting agenda includes item D-5 #24-1967, listed for closed session under “Public Employment – Superintendent of Schools.” However, the description is vague and arguably misleading.
If this discussion involves considering interim leadership or superintendent candidates, the public, especially parents, should be informed in advance and included in the process.
In the spirit of keeping students centered in this conversation, we urge the Board to recognize that decisions about district leadership, especially hiring a new superintendent, have a direct and lasting impact on student outcomes. Oakland students are already contending with persistently low literacy rates and other academic challenges.
Any interim or permanent leadership decision must be made with a clear public commitment to improving these outcomes. Prioritizing student success means ensuring that leadership transitions are guided not by political agendas but by the urgent academic needs of our
children.
This pattern of exclusion is not only disappointing but also a violation of public trust. The families who supported you and voted you into office expect leadership rooted in transparency, collaboration, and integrity. Instead, we are witnessing unilateral and politically motivated decisions, with little regard for the community that will live with their consequences.
We call on the Board to immediately:
At town hall meetings hosted by the NAACP Oakland Branch, each director shares a written timeline for public engagement and leadership updates, including interim or permanent superintendent selection.
We stand ready to work with you in good faith to ensure stable, student-focused leadership for OUSD. However, continued disregard for community voices will only deepen division and dysfunction in our district.
The students, families, and future of Oakland deserve better.
Sincerely,
NAACP Education Committee – Oakland Branch
State of Black Education, Oakland
Families in Action for Quality Education in Oakland
Latino Education Network
cc: Mayor Barbara Lee, Oakland City Council Members, and Alameda County Board Member Nate Miley
Clarify publicly the scope of closed session discussions related to superintendent employment that impact the OUSD community. Commit to forming an inclusive search committee with parent and community representation.