A New Year of Joyful Learning: School Starts on Monday, August 11

This coming Monday, August 11, our schools will welcome students, families and staff back to our campuses for the first day of the 2025-26 school year.

There is nothing quite like the excitement and energy of a first day of school. Classrooms are decorated, school floors are gleaming, playgrounds are bustling, students are reconnecting, and then the bell rings and it’s go time. Our educators will welcome students into their classes to embark on a shared journey of teaching and learning for the next nine months.

I was born and raised in Oakland and have spent more than four decades working in OUSD. And no matter my role in the district, the first day of school is always exciting and memorable. As a special education teacher, I remember meeting my new students and families on the first day and laying the groundwork for a trusting relationship and student success. As a principal, I recall feeling inspired as I walked the hallways and listened in on classrooms as our amazing teachers thoughtfully set the stage for the year.

As an educator, I think about all the first days of school over the years and the mix of bittersweet emotions they bring about for our students and families. Time really does go by so very quickly. And now, as your Interim Superintendent, I am excited to see the first day from the broadest possible perspective, watching to make sure we are delivering on our promise that every classroom in every school provides the best possible education for all students.

I’m thrilled I get to visit nine schools across the city on August 11 to see our students, staff, and families buzzing with activity. I know this first day will be inspirational and filled with hope, and I know together, we will deliver on our students’ hopes and dreams.

Last week, I had the privilege of attending our Leadership Institute for school leaders, our New Teacher Institute for new teachers, and our Standards and Equity Institute for all teachers, and I came away feeling inspired and humbled by what I experienced. We are so fortunate to have our incredible educators choosing to work in OUSD year after year. I stand shoulder to shoulder with our staff to ensure education in Oakland is a joyful experience. Everyone from our long-serving senior leadership team and veteran teaching staff to our early career educators and new hires are here for a simple reason: to put our students first in the thriving schools they deserve. It is my profound honor to serve as your Interim Superintendent, and as a community, I encourage all of us to harness the energy of the moment and continue to work together in service of our young people.

I often say, “Every student can be successful. Every student has a gift.” It’s our job to support them - whatever it takes - help them shine, and enable them to reach their full potential.

Starting on Monday, schools across our sanctuary district will welcome all students, of all ages, religions, races, genders, and backgrounds. It’s our job to make sure everyone feels safe and protected in our schools. They are places where we all have rights, we all belong, and we all stand up for each other. And all of them are ready to support students in just a few short days.

Finally, I want to remind you of the importance of attendance. If students are not in class, or if they come in late repeatedly, they will fall behind quickly, finding it more difficult to catch up. We need every student in class, on time, every day ready to learn. Building these good habits now will help them as they progress through their educational journeys, and throughout their lives.

To celebrate this crucial commitment from our students and families, we are proud to continue our partnership with the Oakland Roots. As a special reward for starting the year strong, all students who attend the first 10 days of school will receive a free ticket to our OUSD Back-to-School Night at the Roots game on Friday, August 30, which will culminate in a spectacular drone show. It's a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community and celebrate a great start to the school year.

It’s go time, Oakland! I can’t wait to see you.

Happy New School Year!

Denise Saddler
Superintendent