What We Do

​The Office of Charter Schools (OCS) is a department within Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) that authorizes and oversees 33 independently run public charter schools in Oakland. 
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This work includes evaluating charter petitions--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.

Contact Us


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

Address:
OUSD Office of Charter Schools
​​1000 Broadway, 3rd floor, Suite 398
Oakland, CA 94607

Office of Charter Schools Staff

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

​Sonali Murarka, Director
Contact for charter renewals, material revisions, new charter petitions, and press requests.
​Brett Noble, Analytics Specialist
Contact for Charter Reporting Center questions and data requests. 
​Elizabet Wendt, Compliance Specialist
elizabet.wendt@ousd.org
Contact for complaints and compliance questions.

Kelly Krag-Arnold, Policy Specialist
​Contact for questions about facilities.
Minh Co, Accounting Manager
Contact for financial reporting and billing matters.
Mike Nguyen, Accountant
Contact for attendance reporting and teacher credentialing questions.
OUSD Office of Charter Schools