President London believes that where you are born, and your family’s circumstances, should not be the sole determinant of your future. The Community Schools, Thriving Students strategic plan provides a roadmap to correcting this inequity. During Jody’s tenure on the School Board, Oakland has been a leader in creating opportunities for high school students to better link their education to real-world experience. The many academy programs in our high schools, and a commitment to partner with businesses and the community across industry sectors, are bringing the real world to Oakland’s classroom. You can learn more about this at Oakland’s College and Career Readiness.

Oakland Unified has become a national leader in recognizing that academic success is not available to all our students. Oakland, like districts across the country, has a significant gap in achievement between white students and students of color. This gap is most pronounced for African American males. Jody is proud that Oakland is one of the first school districts in the country to establish a department focused on creating the systems, structures, and spaces that will guarantee success for African American males, and other girls and boys of color. You can learn more about this initiative at African American Male Achievement.

Also during Jody’s tenure, Oakland Unified has continued to build school-based health centers and family and youth resource centers at our middle and high schools. Today Oakland has health centers at 14 schools, more than almost any district in the country. Students can stay on campus to get medical, dental, and mental health services in a confidential, comfortable setting. Kaiser Permanente, the County of Alameda, and a wide range of community groups are important partners with the School District in this initiative. See School Based Health Centers.