In what's shaping up to be a financial feud, the City of Oakland has taken legal action against the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) over unpaid election costs. According to official sources, City Attorney Barbara J. Parker filed a lawsuit on behalf of the city, citing that OUSD has staunchly refused to pay for its portion of expenses associated with recent school board director elections despite legal directives. The Oakland City Charter and California Education Code outline the district's obligation to cover these costs.
Caught up in the crossfire of bureaucracy, the special election held in 2023 to fill the OUSD District 5 vacancy incurred costs nearing $600,000. Triggered by the school board's choice to hold an election rather than appoint a provisional board member, the city now seeks reimbursement for an expense it argues was solely OUSD's responsibility. The school district also neglected to pay its part for general election costs in 2020 and 2022, though it has historically met these obligations.
In a financial breakdown outlined in the complaint, it's reported that OUSD owes the City of Oakland approximately $1.5 million. The city shouldered around $4.8 million for the 2022 general election, of which OUSD's share was about $860,700. Similarly, for the 2020 general election, with a total city cost of roughly $2.2 million, OUSD reportedly owes nearly $679,000.
"The law is clear that OUSD is responsible for paying the costs of the 2023 special election that it called to fill a vacancy on the OUSD Board, and for paying its fair share of other election costs. The City always strives to resolve issues without resorting to litigation. Unfortunately, after nearly a year of attempting to work in good faith with OUSD to resolve this dispute, OUSD has remained steadfast in its refusal to acknowledge its basic legal responsibility. Accordingly, seeking relief in court is the City’s only option to recover the money OUSD indisputably owes and to ensure it will pay its fair share of election costs going forward," said Oakland City Attorney Barbara J. Parker in a statement obtained by the City of Oakland.
To provide further clarity on the issue, the Office of the City Attorney released a FAQ document alongside the formal complaint, aiming to address questions and concerns regarding the lawsuit.
