Executive Summary: A New Reality / Envisioning Our Future

Addressing a New Reality Envisioning Our Future

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2020-21 marks Oakland School for the Arts (OSA)’s 19th year as a top-performing secondary school with a wealth of community support. However, the cost of providing public school students with access to a high-caliber arts education and proven, technology-based curriculum—during the global pandemic of COVID-19— is high. Fortunately, we had a healthy cash flow that kept us afloat through 2020. Now is the time to replenish that cash flow.

Because of the closure of the school’s facilities and the necessity of social distancing, various fundraising events and activities have been canceled. This has resulted in significant financial losses last year as well as this year. Not only have classrooms shifted dramatically to a remote learning environment, but budgets have also been severely impacted. Even when it becomes safe to open schools again, OSA will need to make changes to its programs and facilities to create and sustain a safe, inspired, and supportive learning environment.

Despite these challenges, Oakland School for the Arts remains an accessible, public institution that continues to serve over 800 students in grades 6-12 and employs over 100 teachers and staff. OSA is proud to continue to serve as a model for arts education and as an example of how the arts can play a transformative role in young people’s lives. Students in a remote learning Instrumental Music class taught by Josh Jones.