So, the big day finally came.  After hours upon hours spent visiting elementary schools, touring facilities, talking to teachers and principals, filling out forms, picking our top 6 and staying up late staring at pie charts and test scores, we got the big letter revealing what school Kayla will be assigned to in the Oakland Unified School District.  Whatever the letter revealed could have far reaching consequences...siblings have first dibs at getting into schools so Chase and "the baby coming in a few weeks that will be named later" could go to the same school. 

From all we had heard we were prepared to be assigned a school on the other side of town with the lowest test scores, worst facilities and biggest lack of resources.  Instead, we were amazed that we got our first choice, Cleveland Elementary.  It's a wonderful smaller elementary school with a diverse student body and a great staff.  We count ourselves very blessed.

However, the incredible disparity in the public school systems was disheartening.  One day we're taking a walk through a crowded school with a teacher the principal grabbed since they apparently were not aware it was the week for potential kindergarten parents to visit.  Teachers stare at us with nervous eyes and sometimes allow the entire class to stop and stare at us awkwardly as we pop our heads in the classroom.  Socially awkward staff aren't quite sure how to talk to us.  There is no art program, P.E. teacher, computer lab or Parent Teacher Association.  The next day we're on a guided tour led by the PTA that raised some huge amount of money last year, complete with a P.E. teacher hired by money the PTA raised, the computer lab, tasty muffins and Peet's Coffee during the closing speech by the principal.  It was ridiculous and eye opening.  I was reminded of the wide variety of neighborhoods and the wide range of economic realities within Oakland.

I hope and pray that as things continue to morph in our school district that the city of Oakland does not write off the so-called "failing schools" but instead figure out a way to adequately fund basic education so that each young person is given tools to succeed in this world.  I'm grateful for the work of Perimeter Primate and The Education Report for helping me begin to understand what's going on behind the scenes.