Superintendent Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell Says So Long to OUSD on Her Final Day on the Job

When I was a student at Montclair Elementary and Montera Middle, I had no idea what I wanted to do in life. Even in college, I thought I was going to be an attorney. Then, as I got closer to graduation, I decided to try my hand at student teaching. Once I set foot in a classroom in Pennsylvania, I knew I had found my calling. Working with young people, watching them light up when they start to understand something new, ensuring they have what they need to succeed, experiencing all that for the first time, I was hooked. And after growing up in Oakland, the beautiful city I still call home, I knew this was where I wanted to begin my career.

In 1998, even as I built the foundation of my career in my first classroom at Parker Elementary, I again had no idea where life would take me. It certainly never crossed my mind back then that I would have the opportunity to lead the school district that raised me. But as time went on, and I gained more experience in our schools, grew in my leadership roles as a teacher coach, assistant principal, principal, and then in District leadership, it became clear that I needed to use my skills to help as many of our students as I could.

In 2017, I got the opportunity of a lifetime, the chance to be Superintendent of Oakland Unified School District. I like to think I made the most of it, leading in the role longer than any other superintendent since 1970. I won’t go into detail about what we were able to accomplish in that time, as you can hear much of that in the video above, a conversation I had in which I shared some of my proudest accomplishments and fondest memories.

I will mention my joy in helping get the District out of state receivership and county oversight - finally! - after 22 years. Part of why I mention that is what preceded my eight years as superintendent. In the 14 years after we went into receivership and before I took over, the District had nine superintendents or state administrators. That’s an average of a new superintendent every year and a half. I can tell you as I exit the office, I hope as much as anything that the District can find a new permanent superintendent who will be here for years to come. The District is a huge billion-dollar organization, and like an aircraft carrier, it is slow to turn. If a leader is not in place for an extended period of time, it is nearly impossible to institute truly effective and lasting change.

One thing I am happy about is Dr. Denise Saddler taking over as Interim Superintendent beginning tomorrow. We have known each other for decades, and her deep institutional knowledge, commitment to our students, and her warmth and care will serve the District well as she guides the organization over the next year. I wish her the best of luck.

The past eight years have been a whirlwind. I will miss working with our amazing staff, and our brilliant and beautiful students. I am forever grateful for the District partners and supporters and Board Directors I have had the pleasure to work alongside - some of whom you can hear from in the video below. As of tomorrow, I am Superintendent Emeritus. I know moving forward the District is in the very capable hands of our leadership team, and all the remarkable educators across Oakland.

For me, this is not goodbye. This is until we meet again.

My very best to you and all of our students.

Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell