Where can kids eat who don't attend school?

Free lunches and snacks for students will be available on-site at the Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church through the Bread For Ed fund, which will provide food to teachers and students during the strike, and has so far raised more than $66,000.

OEA is also setting up food distribution points around the city for kids who need access to lunch and snacks during the day.

Will there be after-school programs?

The district said all federally funded after-school programs will stay open, but urges parents to check with individual schools to make sure. A student who does not come to school can't attend an after-school program, it said.

What about school sports teams?

The Oakland Athletic League is canceling some extracurricular sports activities during the strike. Call them with specific questions: 510-879-2846.

Additionally, all middle school sports this weekend are cancelled, according to district spokesman John Sasaki. Spring sports competitions are also postponed. However, winter sports playoffs will continue as planned and school sites will individually determine whether to hold after-school practices. Parents should call their children's schools for specific information.

How will temporary teachers be vetted?

The district says it's reviewing the work references, fingerprints and health clearances for all the temporary teachers it's hiring to do fill-in work during the strike. These short-term substitutes will get paid $300 a day, according to the district.

Are charter schools affected?

No, Oakland charter schools are not part of the strike, nor are the teachers who work for them or the nearly 14,000 students who attend them. However, some charter school teachers have joined district teachers on the picket line in previous labor actions in solidarity.

How much money does OUSD stand to lose if students stay home during the strike?

On the fourth day of the strike, Oakland Unified spokesman John Sasaki said an average of about 6 percent of all students have attended school during the strike. That massive lack of attendance amounts to roughly $1 million net loss per day for the district, he said.

Sasaki added: "It is unclear as yet how the loss of any funding because of the strike will affect the overall budget issues. But in a school district with tight financial constraints such as OUSD, any money that’s lost adds to the challenge of balancing the budget."

Will striking teachers get any financial support?

Striking teachers don't receive any pay from the district (and can't use sick days), but the union has created a strike fund, and is working with a community bank that will offer low-interest loans to teachers in need. There have also been some fundraising efforts organized by parents as well as teachers from other districts to support Oakland teachers who could experience financial hardship. Among them, the United Teachers of Richmond has already contributed $1,000 to Oakland’s Bread for ED fund.

How can I find out more or get involved in organizing efforts?

There are multiple strategy sessions for parents and community members being held this week, including one planned for Tuesday and another on Friday.