OAKLAND, CA — As the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) grapples with a widening budget deficit, the fallout of “fiscal stabilization” is taking a deeply personal toll on local campuses. At La Escuelita, a battle is brewing not over textbooks or curriculum, but over a woman who many students call the “heart” of their school: Donna Jackson.
For the last five years, Jackson has served as the noon supervisor at La Escuelita. While her title may sound administrative, to the students who see her every day, she is far more than a name on a payroll.
A “Bargain” for the District, a Necessity for the Kids
The district’s plan to close its budget gap has put Jackson in an impossible position. OUSD hasn’t eliminated her role entirely, but the options presented to her are being described by supporters as “heartbreaking.”
Jackson was given two choices:
- Stay at La Escuelita: Cut her hours to just three per day, resulting in the loss of her health benefits and holiday pay.
- Transfer Out: Move to a completely unfamiliar school to maintain her full-time status, effectively abandoning the community she has built.
“That is the hard part,” Jackson said. “Leave all these beautiful children behind.”
The Students Speak Out
The response from the student body has been nothing short of “magical,” according to Jackson. Dozens of students, parents, and fellow teachers have rallied together, urging the district to reconsider the move.
“She cares for us like we’re her own children,” said Mowadeh, a student at the school. “She’s like our family.” Another student, Luisa, noted that Jackson is there for them through all their “ups and downs.”
Teachers at the school are also sounding the alarm. Adi Hoag, a teacher at La Escuelita, argued that the financial “savings” the district would see by cutting three hours of Jackson’s time are negligible compared to the impact her absence would have on student performance and behavior.
“The amount of money they’re saving… it’s not gonna balance the budget,” Hoag said. “It doesn’t make any sense… They’re getting a bargain. They need to keep Miss Donna.”
Personal Stakes at Home
The decision is even more complicated by Jackson’s life outside of school. She recently adopted her grandson, Gianni, making her the sole provider and guardian. For Jackson, taking fewer hours—and losing medical benefits—simply isn’t a financial option.
Gianni, who also attends the school, credits his grandmother for changing his life. “She’s the only person that fought for me to be adopted instead of sitting around,” he said. “It gives me a reason to wake up.”
What’s Next for OUSD?
OUSD is currently facing intense pressure to slash millions from its budget to avoid state intervention. However, the community at La Escuelita argues that cutting frontline staff who maintain school safety and emotional well-being is a “short-sighted” solution.
For Jackson, the philosophy is simple: “It’s just finding what brings [the children] happiness. If they’re busy, they’re happy. They don’t get in trouble. That’s the bottom line.”
What do you think, Oakland? Should school districts prioritize keeping beloved staff members even during a budget crisis? Or are these “tough choices” necessary to keep the district afloat?
Share your support for Miss Donna in the comments below and let the school board know your thoughts.
