Perspectives on NOCCS (North Oakland Community Charter School)?
Are there any families on this list currently attending NOCCS who can share more updated perspectives? (Most posts about the school on BPN are from 2015 or earlier.) We were lucky enough to receive a spot for kindergarten next year (2018/2019 school year) in the general lottery. I'm trying to get a sense of how things are going and how it feels to be there. I've heard and read that the well-liked Head of School is leaving and can deduce from reading the Board meeting minutes posted online that there is/was a fair amount of drama surrounding his departure...and that the drama has been stressful to the staff. I'd like to know what of that (if anything) has trickled down to the students and may be impacting the teaching/learning environment, and how families are feeling. I'd also love to hear impressions of the teachers and the rigor of various subjects as students get into the middle school grades. In addition to any perspectives on these current challenges, I'd love to hear what is going well or is particularly inspiring, because I'm sure there is that as well. Thank you in advance for any current insights you might have.
Parent Replies
Make no mistake, the head of school was only well liked by a SMALL faction of the staff and families. He is a good hearted person but a leader he is NOT. Our sense of community has been eroding for the last three years. The families that have left were families of color and white- don't take the bait if anyone tells you this was a racial thing- it was NOT. It was a performance issue and nothing else. In fact, the first families to leave were not only families of color but on the board. Drama-yes! You will be inheriting a lot of turmoil. That's not to say that a new head, remaining staff (some of which are amazing esp. on the K/1 team) and new dedicated families (read- you must volunteer) can't right the ship but it will be difficult. You need to know that many dedicated families that have been there for 5 or more years and have volunteered immensely have or are leaving. Again, these families are of color and white and 50/50-maybe a bit more families of color, actually. Yes, this has impacted learning-two amazing, experienced and veteran teachers left MID YEAR. Our family left because of constant disruptions in the classroom, bullying (and absolute lack of discipline as it related to those involved) and the administration not supporting and ultimately undermining veteran teachers. It broke our hearts to leave. New blood is needed for sure. The core values, small class sizes,project based learning are great-but without solid leadership it will falter. If I were you, being a K parent, I would give it shot despite it all. But the rosy NOCCS of the past colored glasses should be removed-this school is in crisis. If you truly believe in the values and can help, again, volunteer! then try it. After all, we are talking about K here - if your child is already doing well academically then they will likely be fine. You can always opt in to OUSD and there are plenty of good schools. We wish you the best.
As a parent and volunteer, I had to respond to anonymous’ (Apr 2) account of what’s happening at NOCCS. First of all, the Head of School was, and is, well liked by a majority of teachers and parents. After being constantly undermined by the Board and a group of parents who complained that the school was getting ‘too dark,” he stepped down this year. There has been a lot of turmoil and turnover due to all the changes, which has caused good teachers to leave. It has not been easy. However, the interim Co-Heads of School are working very hard and the staff is dedicated, as are many parents who continue to volunteer! There is a lot of love for students, and a lot of people stepping up to make sure that our students get a solid education. I do agree with the post that you should give it a shot and check it out for yourself!