August 2026

Speak Up for Responsible Device Use at OUSD's Teaching & Learning Committee!

Thank you to everyone who submitted e-comments at last Wednesday's Board meeting! Now we head to the next step: on Tuesday, August 18 at 6 PM, the OUSD Teaching & Learning Committee will discuss Resolution 26-1706: Responsible Use of 1:1 Student Devices before it returns to the full Board for adoption.

The resolution would end recreational Chromebook use at lunch and recess, require evidence-based, grade-appropriate guidelines for device and AI use, screen out curricula built on addictive, game-like design, and protect access for students with IEPs and 504 plans. Let's speak up - A strong showing at committee helps ensure it advances with a favorable recommendation.

Now the committee needs to hear from you.

Here's how to help:

Show up (or Zoom in)!
Tuesday, August 18, 6 PM
In person: Committee Room, KDOL TV Studio, B-237, Met West High School Entrance, 314 East 10th Street, Oakland, CA 94606
Virtual: Zoom link

Speakers get one minute. If joining by Zoom, register to speak on Granicus in advance — committee speaker registration opens at least 24 hours before the meeting, so sign up today!

Speak or submit an e-comment
Use our ready-to-personalize committee comment templates — including new comments urging the committee to strengthen the resolution, follow the lead of districts like LAUSD, and support teachers with comprehensive professional development.

Review the details
Read the committee agenda and find the resolution under G.-3 26-1706.

Spread the word
Forward this to friends, family, and fellow parents. Committee meetings draw smaller crowds — every single voice carries extra weight!

We're one step closer. Let's show the Teaching & Learning Committee that Oakland families want learning beyond screens.

With gratitude,
Schools Beyond Screens Oakland
Diane, Dian, Gina, Lara, Leana

Support our Responsible Device Use Resolution at this Wednesday's OUSD Board Meeting! 

The moment we've been working toward is here.

On Wednesday, August 12, the OUSD Board of Education will consider Resolution 26-1706: Responsible Use of 1:1 Student Devices — a pivotal step toward healthier, more focused classrooms for Oakland's kids.

The resolution would end recreational Chromebook use at lunch and recess, require evidence-based, grade-appropriate guidelines for device and AI use, screen out curricula built on addictive, game-like design, and protect access for students with IEPs and 504 plans.

We still have a ways to go: Director Rachel Latta said that the resolution will be introduced this week in front of the board, then discussed at the next Teaching & Learning Committee (likely the following week), before going in front of the board again for adoption.

Now the Board needs to hear from you. Here's how to help:

Submit an e-comment
Use our ready-to-personalize templates.

Show up!
Wednesday, August 12 — Great Room, La Escuelita Education Center, 1050 2nd Avenue, Oakland, CA. Speakers get one minute; arrive early to sign up. We recommend arriving around ~6 pm, when open session typically resumes after the board's closed session. You can also make a public comment on Zoom! We also have public comment templates you can use (on a separate tab)

Review the details
On the meeting agenda, the resolution can be found under item V.-1 26-1706

Spread the word
Forward this to friends, family, and fellow parents.

Every voice matters. Let's fill the room and show the Board that Oakland families want learning beyond screens.

With gratitude,
Schools Beyond Screens Oakland
Diane, Dian, Gina, Lara, Leana

July 2026

SBS Oakland is partnering with OUSD board members Rachel Latta and Patrice Berry to draft a resolution around intentional tech use in the classroom for grades TK-2.

Let's keep in touch: Sign up to get updates (bottom of page) from us!

We are also looking for middle and high school OUSD teachers to partner with us on outreach and policy development. Please contact us at sbsoakland@gmail.com if you or someone you know may be interested.

June 2026

The district adopted a bell to bell phone policy for TK-12 at the board meeting on June 24, 2026!  No phones during lunch and passing periods in high school is significant.

Thank you all for your contributions and sharing your voice.  There were over 70 e-comments.  Passing this policy is an important first step in revisiting our educational system's relationship to technology and protecting students and learning. We will be in touch about future efforts and developments.