Office of Charter Schools
Recent Announcements
July 31, 2026: 2024-25 annual charter school data reports have been posted and can be found here on our Information and Data page.
July 21, 2026: The 2026-27 Material Revision Handbook and accompanying forms have been posted on the Charter Petitions page.
May 15, 2026: Our charter closure checklist for charter leaders has been updated and can be found here on our Compliance Center page.
May 13, 2026: All renewal submission materials for the 2026-27 cycle have been updated and are available on our renewal page.
May 10, 2026: The 2026-27 Charter Reporting and Request Calendar and the 2026-27 Statistical and Enrollment Calendar are available on our Compliance Center page.
What We Do
The Office of Charter Schools (OCS) is a department within Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) that authorizes and oversees 19 independently run public charter schools in Oakland.
This work includes evaluating charters--for both new and renewing schools--as well as monitoring the educational progress and financial standing of schools throughout the year. Additionally, our office strives to be the bridge between the charter school network and OUSD.
Through transparent policies and procedures, professional customer service, and collaborative practices, the Office of Charter Schools works in the interest of students and families in Oakland, who deserve a high quality, free, public education.
Our Vision, Mission, and Values
Vision
Oakland deserves a world class education community that is united in the goal to ensure all students have access to a high quality education that prepares them for college, career, and community success.
Mission
OCS seeks to be a trusted and consistent link between OUSD and the Oakland charter sector. We interpret and implement charter policy and law to provide meaningful, transparent, and proactive oversight of OUSD-authorized schools in order to build greater stability, collaboration, and accountability in the Oakland education landscape.
Values
Equity: We have a shared responsibility to develop policies and practices that intentionally center and incentivize access and opportunity for all.
Transparency: We strive for our data, actions, and decision-making to be clear and accessible to all.
Expertise: We stay up to date with all laws and regulations related to charter schools so that OUSD can be an effective and strategic authorizer.
Collaboration: We work closely with district, charter, and community stakeholders so that educational leaders are working in partnership for Oakland students.
Our Staff
Kelly Krag-Arnold, Director
Contact for charter renewals, material revisions, new charter petitions, facilities, and press requests.
Madison Thomas, Deputy Director
Contact for Policy/Oversight related questions
Marwa Doost, Compliance Specialist
Contact for compliance related questions and Notices of Concern
Timothy 'Ryan' Ryan, Accounting Manager
Contact for attendance reporting, financial reporting, and billing matters.
Guadalupe Nuño, Community Liaison
Contact for community engagement, complaints, and transcript requests.
Kristy Lu, Analytics Specialist
Contact for data request questions and CORE Collaborative.