Oakland Head Start in turmoil as director is removed suddenly without explanation

The sudden removal of Diveena Cooppan, director of Oakland's Head Start program, has left advocates and staff worried about the future of early childhood education in the city. Cooppan and another employee were placed on administrative leave on April 25, with city spokesperson Sean Maher confirming the action but offering no reasons. The federally funded program serves low-income families and is crucial for early education, with a budget of approximately $13. 5 million. Concerns have arisen that leadership instability could jeopardize grant funding, particularly in light of looming city budget cuts to close a $265 million gap.

Cooppan's assistant reported that she received no prior notification about the change and expressed shock at the decision. Local officials, including Councilmember Carroll Fife, promised to investigate the leadership change to ensure program stability. The Head Start Advisory Board and Parent Policy Council are convening to discuss potential violations of federal regulations regarding the termination of program leadership. Advocates urge community members to attend upcoming city meetings to protect the program's funding and integrity.