Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that WCCUSD school board member Mister Phillips made a donation this election cycle to candidate Otheree Christian. The funds Phillips gave Christian were a loan for his 2020 race.
Political newcomer Guadalupe Enllana maintained her lead over incumbent Otheree Christian in the race for the Area 2 seat on the West Contra Costa Unified School District board, according to updated unofficial election results released Nov. 22.
Christian told Richmondside earlier this month that he’s “crushed, but not perplexed,” quoting the Bible’s Book of Corinthians.
He said he’s proud of several accomplishments, including passing the district’s anti-racism policy and starting to rebuild Richmond and Kennedy high schools and now Stege Elementary, as well as working to resolve the district’s fiscal problems.
“When we inherit the past, we have to move forward to improve the school district,” he said. “So even if I’m not there, the changes continue to move forward.”
He plans to still work as a substitute teacher in Oakland while seeking his teaching credential and as a preacher in Richmond, jobs that allow him to work with youths.
“It’s about making sure these kids get a strong foundation,” Christian said.
It’s a momentous time for the district, which will launch its search for a new superintendent this winter while facing financial and academic performance crises and struggling to improve student literacy and graduation rates and keep schools safe and sufficiently staffed with credentialed teachers.
Area 2, which includes the Richmond shoreline north of the bridge and Richmond neighborhoods such as Atchison Village, Coronado and North and East, was the only contested race.
Enllana, who has not responded to requests for comment about the race, was involved with the Measure E and K campaigns, the 2018 Richmond Kids First Initiative, which set aside general funds for youth programs and services and established the Department of Children and Youth and the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth. She later became co-chair for the city’s Fund for Children and Youth Oversight Board. She has told Richmondside she wants to see more accountability from board trustees and the Richmond City Council. And she says the district could do a better job communicating with parents.
Richmond election results
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Only one candidate filed in each of the other two open board districts, in Areas 1 and 3, so they will automatically assume office. They are incumbent Jamela Smith-Folds in Area 1 and newcomer Cinthia Hernandez for Area 3. (The seats governing Areas 4 and 5, which represent El Sobrante and El Cerrito, are not up for election.)
The post-election WCCUSD board will immediately face several important tasks. Assistant Superintendent Kim Moses will become interim superintendent with Superintendent Chris Hurst’s impending departure in December. The district staff must address what will likely be a $23 million budget deficit while trying to recruit teachers and provide services to support students at risk of academic failure, dropping out or being suspended.
“Although I ran unopposed, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve and am committed to addressing the needs of our students, families, and educators in west Contra Costa,” Hernandez told Richmondside. “I look forward to promoting transparency, equity, and access to quality education as we work together for our community’s future. I also would like to say congratulations to Jamela Smith-Folds for winning Area 1 and Guadalupe Enllana for winning Area 2. I look forward to working with all of them.”
Campaign finance filings with the Contra Costa County Clerk Recorder show that Enllana’s campaign raised $6,250, including $3,000 from the U.A. Local 342 P.A.C. Fund, and has spent more than $2,000.
For more information, follow Richmondside’s schools coverage or visit the WCCUSD school board website.
