Support LeAna to Transform Oakland Public Schools!

I'm a proud Oakland native, parent advocate, and community leader running for the Oakland School Board representing District 6.

Born and raised in Oakland, my family has been in our town's public schools for five generations. My roots are not temporary or political. Oakland is home, and so for me, this is very personal.

As a mother of three children, some experiencing disabilities, I understand firsthand the challenges families face navigating public education systems while advocating for our students' success. One of my children graduated high school during the pandemic, which gave me direct experience with the academic, emotional, and social impacts families continue to navigate to this day.

I am active in the PTO at Burckhalter Elementary, where I have experienced deep collaboration between families, educators, school staff, and administration. This has taught me that advocacy and collaboration are not opposites: effective leadership requires both!

My professional experience includes policy advocacy locally and at the California State Capitol; supporting and building capacity for education nonprofits; leading parent workshops; public speaking at an Oakland Mayor's inauguration; and creating spaces to empower parents and strengthen community voice, among other experiences.

My campaign is centered on:

• Focusing on student reading and math outcomes,
• Supporting students with special needs,
• Building safer schools for students and staff,
• Strengthening trust across the entire district,
• Expanding authentic family engagement,
• Investing in ALL school communities, not just a few,
• And fiscal responsibility as a means to improve student outcomes, not just budget cuts where it's politically convenient.

I am always working with Oaklanders of all backgrounds, because our town's tremendous diversity is its greatest strength. I'm committed to transforming OUSD so that every child feels supported, challenged, safe, and seen. 

My two younger children are lucky to be getting a wonderful education at Burckhalter Elementary in District 6. But student outcomes should not depend on luck. Far too many Black and Brown children are not learning to read by third grade nor are ready for Algebra by ninth grade. I will fight for an Oakland public school system that prepares ALL of our students well for community, college and career.

If you would prefer to donate by check, please send to:

LeAna Powell for Oakland School Board 2026

P.O. Box 22746, Oakland, CA 94609