Oakland Unified Advances Major School Facilities Program After Successful Bond Sale; Refinancing Prior Bonds to Save Taxpayers Nearly $8.5 Million 

Oakland Unified School District is entering the next phase of its long-term vision to create safe, healthy, sustainable, and inspiring schools for every student in the city. This follows several significant milestones, including Board adoption of the 2026 Facilities Master Plan, the successful sale of Measure Y bonds that generated more than $8.5 million in taxpayer savings, and another strong independent bond audit. Together, these milestones position the District to move forward with some of the most ambitious school construction and modernization projects in Oakland’s history. They include major renovations of McClymonds High School, Roosevelt Middle School, Coliseum College Preparatory Academy, Melrose Leadership Academy, and Garfield Elementary School.

“This year is a defining moment for Oakland students, families, and taxpayers,” said Superintendent Dr. Denise Saddler. “Because of the careful planning and leadership of our Facilities team, and through responsible financial management and strong governance, we are delivering on the promises made to Oakland voters while creating schools that will support student success for generations to come. We are upgrading infrastructure to create safer campuses, expanded student spaces, and transformed schoolyards. The District’s facilities investments are supporting high-quality educational programs, creating schools that attract and retain families and strengthen Oakland communities.”

Strong Fiscal Stewardship in a Challenging Market

In a year marked by economic uncertainty and a challenging bond market created by world politics, OUSD successfully completed the third issuance of $352M of bonds with the sale of $185M of Measure Y Bonds to support current projects and refinancing an additional $168M. Through strategic timing, strong partnership with our local bond advisors, and careful market analysis, the District secured the funding to advance our facilities projects and also refunded existing bonds to generate more than $8.5 million in savings for taxpayers. That bond sale reflects the District’s commitment to maximizing every dollar entrusted by Oakland voters and ensuring that Measure Y resources are used efficiently, responsibly, and in direct support of students and school communities.

From Safety Investments to Transformational Projects

Following significant early Measure Y investments in campus safety, security, and critical infrastructure improvements across the District in the first phase of Measure Y, OUSD is now launching the largest and most transformational phase of its Measure Y construction program. These projects represent the next generation of Measure Y investments and will deliver student-centered classrooms, improved learning environments, enhanced student support spaces, accessibility and technology infrastructure upgrades, and campus improvements designed to meet the needs of Oakland students today and into the future.
These major modernization and construction projects include:

• McClymonds High School ($108M), where the District is advancing a major modernization effort to support academics, athletics, student wellness, and community pride.
• Garfield Elementary School Rebuild ($105M), now in design, which will create a fully rebuilt modern elementary campus for future generations of Oakland students in the San Antonio neighborhood.
• Roosevelt Middle School ($97.6M), now in construction, with long-planned seismic upgrades and campus improvements designed to enhance the student learning environment.
• Coliseum College Preparatory Academy Expansion ($74M), which will expand and improve facilities for one of East Oakland’s highest demand school communities with a new gym, science classrooms, and the replacement of old and outdated portables.
• Melrose Leadership Academy at Maxwell Park ($42.2M), where campus improvements will support a vibrant dual-language school community, adding a middle school building, and improving the long-term campus experience.

Collectively, these projects represent a District investment of more than $427M, one of the largest capital investments in neighborhood schools in District history. In addition to major modernization projects, Measure Y continues to fund districtwide investments that improve every school community, including campus safety and security, water quality, air quality, thermal comfort, accessibility improvements, Living Schoolyards, athletic facilities, and deferred maintenance. These investments reflect the District's commitment to ensuring all students benefit from healthier, safer, and more welcoming learning environments.

Partnerships Creating Greater Impact for Students

The success of OUSD’s capital program extends beyond major construction projects. The Facilities Department continues to develop strategic partnerships with community organizations, philanthropic partners, and public agencies to improve school environments and maximize resources for students.

One notable example is the District’s partnership with Oakland-based charity, Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, which has accelerated the transformation of 24 schoolyards into vibrant outdoor learning, play, and wellness spaces across Oakland. By blending philanthropy, community volunteerism with Kaboom!, and voter approved Measure Y funding, these powerful partnerships are maximizing the impact for Oakland students and families.  Five additional schoolyard projects planned for the 2026–27 school year.

As the Bay Area took the global stage for the Super Bowl and World Cup, Oakland Unified School District partnered with community organizations to expand athletic fields and opportunity for Oakland students. Through generous support for projects at Burckhalter Elementary, Montera Middle School, and Life Academy/United for Success Academy, partners including Vincent Country Foundation, Playing for Keeps Foundation, FIFA, U.S. Soccer, the Bay Area World Cup Host Committee, and Eat. Learn. Play. helped to create safe, welcoming, healthy, and inspiring spaces for students to learn, play, and thrive. These investments reflect OUSD’s broader commitment to supporting the whole child and ensuring that high-quality school facilities strengthen both student experience and community connection. 

Continued Strong Audit Reflects Integrity and Accountability

The District also received outstanding results from its annual independent bond audit, earning zero findings for Measure Y expenditures, meaning our bond program has a clean bill of health. The audit reflects the rigorous financial controls, oversight systems, and transparency practices that have existed throughout the program. It also underscores the partnership between District staff, the Board of Education, and the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee in ensuring public accountability.

“Strong stewardship means more than completing projects—it means being transparent about how public dollars are managed and accountable for the trust our community has placed in us,” said Facilities Committee Chair Valarie Bachelor. “This audit demonstrates OUSD’s commitment to compliance, responsible oversight, and continuous improvement so that our facilities investments serve Oakland students and families with integrity.” 

Combined with the adoption of the Facilities Master Plan, these milestones demonstrate the District's commitment to responsible stewardship, long-term planning, and accountability to Oakland voters.

Building Schools That Strengthen Communities

Measure Y was approved by Oakland voters with a clear vision: to modernize schools, improve student learning environments, strengthen safety and accessibility, and protect public investments through strong accountability.

Today, that vision is becoming reality.

As OUSD enters the next phase of Measure Y implementation, District leaders remain focused on delivering projects responsibly, maximizing taxpayer value, and ensuring every investment advances student success. “The work ahead is exciting,” said Chief Systems and Services Officer Preston Thomas. “We are not just constructing buildings, we are reshaping and creating environments where students feel valued, supported, and inspired. Oakland students deserve world-class schools, and Measure Y is helping us deliver on that promise.”

About Oakland Unified School District’s Measure Y Program

Measure Y is Oakland Unified School District’s voter-approved school facilities bond program dedicated to modernizing school facilities, improving safety and accessibility, upgrading infrastructure, and creating high-quality learning environments for Oakland students. The program is guided by principles of fiscal responsibility, transparency, equity, and long-term stewardship of public resources.