Voices from Oakland classrooms.
Voices from Oakland classrooms.
We've collected stories from more than half of OUSD’s schools since August 2025. These are the words we have been reading into the record at board meetings.
Embedded Files
Being in a classroom almost 80 degrees is fairly hard to work in, how would you feel if almost half the schools in Oakland aren’t working their best?
Being in a classroom almost 80 degrees is fairly hard to work in, how would you feel if almost half the schools in Oakland aren’t working their best?
— Anissa, Student · Sequoia Elementary
What people told us
What people told us
Students are unable to learn. They complain of headaches. These conditions are not safe for teachers either.
Students are unable to learn. They complain of headaches. These conditions are not safe for teachers either.
Teacher · Frick United
My daughter is susceptible to nose bleeds and has gotten one from the heat while sitting in class on the 2nd floor of the main building. The other day she came home with a headache from the heat.
My daughter is susceptible to nose bleeds and has gotten one from the heat while sitting in class on the 2nd floor of the main building. The other day she came home with a headache from the heat.
Parent · Laurel Elementary
My teacher Sarah said, "Some schools do not have air conditionining” and it is so hot out that kids are passing out because you will not give them what they need. We want air conditioning for ALL.
Tobin, Student · Sequoia Elementary
The hotter the temperatuer in the room, the more likely they are to get irritated with each other. It creates more behavioral issues.
The hotter the temperatuer in the room, the more likely they are to get irritated with each other. It creates more behavioral issues.
Teacher · Lockwood Steam
Our son's kindergarten classroom heats up like a sauna. On hot days he leaves school completely drained from the experience. He and his classmates need a comfortable classroom to learn and thrive.
Our son's kindergarten classroom heats up like a sauna. On hot days he leaves school completely drained from the experience. He and his classmates need a comfortable classroom to learn and thrive.
Parent · Piedmont Ave Elementary
I think that schools should have more air conditioning in class because kids like me pass out in class because there is no air conditioning! I hope you can fix the heat.
Zuri, Student · Sequoia Elementary
In the media
In the media
Letters of support
Letters of support
Councilmember Janani Ramachandran
Councilmember Janani Ramachandran
Signed on to support Cool the Schools in April 2026.
OUSD staff and community
OUSD staff and community
Letter of support signed across schools and the district.
Reading this is not enough.
Reading this is not enough.
$3,000 cools a classroom.
$3,000 cools a classroom.
Donations are handled by the Oakland Public Education Fund, a registered 501(c)(3).
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