School strike: What you need to know

Oakland public schools will remain open on school days during the teachers’ strike that began Thursday. Substitute teachers and administrators are supervising students, who are gathering in libraries and auditoriums.

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

The two sides are scheduled to meet Friday at a neutral location. If an agreement is reached Friday or this weekend, teachers could be back at work early next week, said district spokesman John Sasaki. But that would happen only if the Oakland Education Association’s 3,000 members had a chance to vote and approve the pact. Union officials said teachers, nurses and counselors were prepared to stay on strike until their demands are met. For parents who don’t want to cross the picket line and can’t keep their children at home, other options exist, including:

RECREATION CENTERS

Oakland city officials said 16 recreation centers are open for students from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on school days during the strike. The centers are: Allendale, 3711 Suter St.; Arroyo Viejo, 7701 Krause Ave.; Brookdale, 2535 High St.; Bushrod, 560 59th St.; Carmen Flores, 1637 Fruitvale Ave.; DeFremery, 1651 Adeline St.; Dimond, 3860 Hanly Road; Ira Jinkins, 9175 Edes Ave.; FM Smith, 1969 Park Blvd.; Franklin, 1010 E. 15th St.; Golden Gate, 1075 62nd St.; Manzanita, 2701 22nd Ave.; Montclair, 6300 Moraga Ave.; San Antonio, 1701 E. 19th St.; Redwood Heights, 3883 Aliso Ave.; and Mosswood, 3612 Webster St. Meals for students will be provided by Alameda County Community Food Bank. Residents can call the Oakland Education Association at 510-7634020 with questions.

YOUTH CLUBS

Parents who have registered with the Boys and Girls Clubs may drop their children at the clubs at West Oakland, 920 24th St.; Central East Oakland, 3300 High St.; and East Oakland, 8530 International Blvd.; or the East Oakland Youth Development Center at 8200 International Blvd. Mandatory registration meetings are scheduled for 6 p.m. at each club Monday through Friday during the strike.

OTHER OPTIONS

Oakland’s public libraries will be open during their regular hours, and students may gather there. Children younger than 7 must be supervised by a caregiver. Some Oakland churches are also opening their doors for students, including Taylor Memorial Church, 1188 12th St.; Allen Temple, 8501 International Blvd.; and First Mount Sinai Baptist Church, 1970 86th Ave.