Oakland Unified School District Takes Major Step in Climate Action with New Sustainability Policy

Oakland Unified School District is celebrating some remarkable news. The District has taken an important step toward securing a healthier, more sustainable future for OUSD students, staff, and school communities. The Board of Education approved a groundbreaking district-wide sustainability policy in March which represents a pivotal moment in the District’s ongoing efforts to combat the climate crisis and address its disproportionate impact on Oakland’s frontline communities.

The passage of the Climate Emergency Action Resolution in 2020 marked OUSD’s formal recognition of the climate crisis and its far-reaching effects on vulnerable communities. It established two central goals: achieving 100% clean electricity by 2030 and phasing out fossil fuels by 2040. These ambitious targets now serve as the foundation for the District’s newly passed sustainability policy, which outlines a clear, actionable roadmap to reach these goals while promoting environmental stewardship, equity, and climate resilience.

This sustainability policy builds on the work initiated by the 2020 resolution, providing the next phase of action based on these four key objectives:

• Transition to 100% clean electricity by 2030
• Phase out fossil fuels by 2040
• Center the concerns of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) youth and frontline communities in climate planning
• Prepare Oakland schools and their communities to address climate impacts while incorporating climate justice education

The policy emphasizes the importance of infrastructure improvements as well as students' emotional and educational needs. It seeks to help young people understand and navigate the realities of climate change while addressing climate anxiety and fostering engagement in the fight for a sustainable future. Overall, the policy defines the vision for the following focus areas: culture and values, curriculum integration, energy efficiency and clean energy, waste prevention, water resilience, facilities, living schoolyards, purchasing, transportation, nutrition and food systems, and sustainability funding.

In recent years, Oakland schools have faced significant climate-related challenges. From school closures due to smoke from nearby wildfires to the rising risks of heatwaves and flooding, the climate crisis is already impacting students’ health and their ability to learn. Low-lying schools are particularly vulnerable to stormwater flooding and sea-level rise, and surrounding communities bear the brunt of these environmental changes. The new policy aims to mitigate these effects, ensuring that Oakland schools not only survive but thrive in the face of a rapidly changing climate.

A key feature of the new policy is the extensive community engagement that guided its development. The policy was co-created with input from a variety of community members, including students, school staff, families, and community members, who contributed their perspectives through the Sustainability Advisory Council. Additionally, the District Staff Task Force worked to translate these ideas into practical, actionable steps, balancing community priorities with district resources.

Students played an especially important role in shaping the policy. The Facilities Department Sustainability Team actively engaged with students from Oakland High’s Environmental Student Academy and Oakland Tech’s AP Environmental Science classes to gather direct feedback. The department also shared an informational video featuring Akirah Thomas of Castlemont High across its social media channels, highlighting the importance of the sustainability policy.

A district-wide survey that elicited more than 700 responses ensured the voices of students, staff, and families were heard. The results reflected Oakland's diversity, with 31% Latino, 20% African American, and 18% Asian respondents from 26 elementary schools, 10 high schools, and 8 middle schools. The survey responses highlighted strong community support for key sustainability issues, including water resilience, energy efficiency, and living schoolyards.

With the passage of the sustainability policy, OUSD is poised to take the next steps toward implementation. The District will focus on developing and rolling out a district-wide Sustainability Plan, ensuring that the community’s priorities remain at the forefront of every action. The plan will continue to center on equity and aim to create a healthier, more resilient future for all Oakland students.

The journey is far from over, and OUSD encourages community members to stay informed and get involved in the process. For more information on the policy and to follow implementation updates, visit the OUSD Sustainability Webpage.