Teachers at Oakland middle school raise money for water bottles to help kids safely drink water

United For Success Academy in Oakland continues to grapple with unsafe drinking water as the school year begins. Teachers raised over $2,300 through a GoFundMe campaign to provide aluminum water bottles for the school's 360 students. Assistant Principal Cass Chen stated that the district's water dispensing machines are often overwhelmed and inadequate, compelling students to rely on their own bottles. Although the Oakland Unified School District announced the distribution of over 40,000 reusable bottles and 230 water machines, many students at Title I schools still struggle with access to safe drinking water. Teacher Maura McMichael emphasized the health risks associated with lead exposure, particularly its impact on children's development.

Eighth grader Marlene Aguirre expressed concern that her peers might skip school due to water access issues. Additionally, community engagement director Marcue Cinque Harris highlighted the broader implications of failing to provide safe drinking water to youth. The situation underscores a critical public health challenge that extends beyond the school district.