What We Do

​The Office of Charter Schools (OCS) is a department within Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) that authorizes and oversees 28 independently run public charter schools in Oakland. 
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This work includes evaluating charters--for both new and renewing schools--as well as monitoring the educational progress and financial standing of schools throughout the year. Additionally, our office strives to be the bridge between the charter school network and OUSD.

Through transparent policies and procedures, professional customer service, and collaborative practices, the Office of Charter Schools works in the interest of students and families in Oakland, who deserve a high quality, free, public education.

Diagram of the relationship between the authorizer and charter schools
The Office of Charter Schools is the bridge between the district and individual charter schools.

Our Vision, Mission and Values 

Vision

Oakland deserves a world class education community that is united in the goal to ensure all students have access to a high quality education that prepares them for college, career, and community success.

Mission

OCS seeks to be a trusted and consistent link between OUSD and the Oakland charter sector. We interpret and implement charter policy and law to provide meaningful, transparent, and proactive oversight of OUSD-authorized schools in order to build greater stability, collaboration, and accountability in the Oakland education landscape.
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​Values

Equity: We have a shared responsibility to develop policies and practices that intentionally center and incentivize access and opportunity for all.  
Transparency: We strive for our data, actions, and decision-making to be clear and accessible to all. 
Expertise: We stay up to date with all laws and regulations related to charter schools so that OUSD can be an effective and strategic authorizer. 
Collaboration: We work closely with district, charter, and community stakeholders so that educational leaders are working in partnership for Oakland students. 

Contact Us


Email: charteroffice@ousd.org
Phone: (510) 879-1677

Address:
OUSD Office of Charter Schools
​​1000 Broadway, 4th floor, Suite 440
Oakland, CA 94607

Office of Charter Schools Staff

Hover or click on a staff member's name to send an email.

Kelly Krag-Arnold, Director
Contact for charter renewals, material revisions, new charter petitions, facilities, and press requests.
​Madison Thomas, Deputy Director 
Contact for Policy/Oversight related questions and Prop 39. 
Marwa Doost, Compliance Specialist
Contact for Compliance related questions and Notices of Concern. 

Minh Co, Accounting Manager
Contact for attendance reporting, financial reporting, and billing matters. 
​Guadalupe Nuño, Community Liaison 
Contact for community engagement, complaints and transcript requests. 
Kristy Lu, Analytics Specialist 
Contact for data request questions and CORE Collaborative.

For other issues, questions, or requests, please email charteroffice@ousd.org.

OUSD Office of Charter Schools