To the Family of Tim White,I am writing this note to you with a very heavy heart, sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I was Tim’s Executive Assistant for over 12 years at Oakland Unified School District. To say the least, I had never worked with such an honorable person that cared so deeply about the welfare of our African American Students here in Oakland. Because we came from similar backgrounds, we “understood the need” and had a passion for making a difference in the lives of our Students, our employees, the District and the community at large. Tim changed the culture of Oakland Unified School District and believed in hiring and promoting from within. He gave employees who were overlooked for positions an opportunity for job growth. Shortly after we were hired in 2001, he began his initiative to bridge the gap between all three of his departments and created a “we’re all in this together, so let’s make it work” environment. Because his spoke so eloquently and his manners were soft and calm, employee’s listened and respected his words. I recall when Tim first arrived, a great deal of employee’s was fearful of losing their jobs. What they didn’t realize was that was just the opposite of what Tim came to do. As stated to me by him, his mission was to keep everyone’s jobs and show the Board that he could achieve repairs through bond monies and create a dynamic Construction Management Team to help him successfully accomplish what he was hired to do. Under his watch, students had adequate school housing, working water fountains, no leaking roofs, grass to play on, paved grounds to play ball & tennis on, additions to building, new theaters, placed health clinics on school sites, built the first new school since 1962 and most recently, built a new Central Kitchen. I recall in 2002, the District’s School to Career Program that was designed for students to work while attending school was canceled. Tim was alarmed by the cancellation of this program and created his own Program for at Risk District male students. His main objective was to create an alternative for black & brown male students that would steer them away from illegal activities during the summer months by earning a salary while working in various Departments within the Division. During those years, black and brown students were killed at an alarming rate and he wanted to save as many as he could. Many thought he couldn’t pull this program off. Another achieved triumph for our community. He supported Oakland’s African American community wholeheartedly with complete sincerity and commitment. He did not hesitate to support hiring African American’s who had small businesses or had their own consulting firms that could contributed to rebuilding Oakland Unified School District’s facility infrastructure. Tim built strong teams to help him accomplish his mission. He was a kind Leader who the team trusted and respected his vision. That said, I could go on because there is so much more. I want his family to know that I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with him for all those years. Timothy E. White, this is “Black Rob” (a name that he gave me because of my passion for our City of Oakland & our students). Thank you, Sir for your Service, Loyalty and Devotion. In my book, you were the real “Hero” whose legacy will leave a lasting imprint on our community for years to come! Rest in heaven my Brother!God bless all of you and I am wishing feelings of comfort, moments of peace, and memories of joy during this difficult time.With caring memories,Robin J. MooreFormer Executive AssistantOakland Unified School DistrictDivision of Facilities Planning & Management
