Our contract negotiations with LAUSD give us a great opportunity to win raises, expand jobs, and make some real improvements in our neighborhood schools.
That’s why our union is taking the lead and launching a new model for our schools called OASIS.
OASIS is a win-win that lifts all of us up.
SEIU Local 99 brought the OASIS program to LAUSD to help address many of the problems and issues that affect student learning. As school workers and as parents, we know many children arrive at school each day overwhelmed by hunger, illness, and poverty. OASIS will bring critical services directly to students and families in their local schools. These programs will increase the work hours and good jobs our families and communities need. And it gives students and parents direct access to services that will help them succeed.
OASIS kicked-off on June 20 at:
- Audubon Middle School
- Fremont High School
- Utah Street School
- Venice High School
Bringing services like
- Health care, including eyeglasses, immunizations, and regular physicals
- Counseling, including services to help students with depression, bullying, and peer pressure
- Academic Support, including tutoring
- Arts, vocational, health, and cultural programs
- Job training and budget planning for parents
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I’m excited SEIU Local 99 members are taking the lead for our community. OASIS is exactly what the children and families in our school have needed for a long time.Andre Smith Campus Aide Fremont High School |
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OASIS Gets a Big Boost from the City of Los Angeles
On April 25, 2014, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to work with OASIS to bring the City’s social, health, and economic programs and services onto LAUSD schools. Local 99 Executive Director Cournti Pugh, LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy, President of United Way Elise Buik, Local 99 Member Patricia Jones, and Principal of Venice HS (an OASIS school) Elsa Mendoza, addressed the City Council, speaking to the need to integrate City programs into LAUSD schools. Over 50 members of Local 99 and community partners (InnerCity Struggle, Community Coalition, St. John’s Wellness Clinic, Vision To Learn, Communities In Schools, Proyecto Pastoral and others) also attended to show their support.
The motion for the City to partner with OASIS was presented by Council President Herb Wesson. It received resounding praise from Council members. Six of the 12 Council members who were present not only stood to laud the initiative, but pleaded with Superintendent Deasy to expand the program into their Districts; an idea that Superintendent Deasy supports and publicly committed to doing in the near future.
Also joining us in support were Congresswoman Karen Bass, Civil Rights leader and Former SEIU Secretary Treasurer, Eliseo Medina, and Executive Director of Vision to Learn, Gaye Williams.
Through OASIS we’re proving that our cities, schools, and communities can work together to ensure a quality education for all our children- and our union can provide the leadership to make it happen.
