The civil rights case is the first to attempt to enforce a California law requiring districts to meet safety and classroom staffing standards.
Author Archives: Jana Kadah
What I cover: I write about Richmond schools and youth issues, Contra Costa College, the county Board of Education and other general topics.
My background: I made my way to the East Bay after covering city hall at San Jose Spotlight where I earned several first-place awards for my local government, business/economy and public service reporting from the California News Publishers Association. Before that, I was a reporter for Bay City News, where I wrote about issues ranging from homelessness to the environment and education.
Posted inSchools
Cutting De Anza High’s JROTC is like ‘saying no to free money,’ critics say
Supporters of WCCUSD’s only ROTC program are trying to save it from cuts, with 615 people signing a petition and begging the school board to reconsider its decision.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD layoffs: Art and music teachers, support staff are hardest hit — plus JROTC
The WCCUSD school board has approved cutting the equivalent of about 300 full-time jobs to help solve a $127 million deficit and avoid state takeover.
Posted inSchools
Teachers shed tears over WCCUSD board vote to merge Betty Reid and Pinole schools
The merger is part of a $42 million budget cut package approved by the school board early Thursday to avoid a state financial takeover.
Posted inSchools
PG&E’s armed security has El Cerrito school community on edge
The Fairmont Elementary community doesn’t want a private military service that works with ICE and Homeland Security near their school.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD board to vote on big budget cuts Wednesday; community furious
District officials say cuts are necessary to fix a $127 million deficit and prevent a state takeover, but parents and teachers say they weren’t consulted.
Posted inCommunity
Meet the TikToker who’s unearthing Richmond’s hidden gems
Alicia “Nunu” Freeman’s social media videos blend curiosity, love for the city, and storytelling to uplift local businesses and community pride.
Posted inSchools
Proposed WCCUSD budget cuts include a middle school merger
WCCUSD wants to combine Betty Reid Soskin and Pinole middle schools, reduce 300 jobs and have elementary schools pay for their own band programs.
Posted inSchools
Majority vote of WCCUSD school board gives raises to teachers, staff — and themselves
The school district is planning for layoffs, school mergers and reduced student services to pay for the salary increases.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD considers layoffs and $60M in cuts to pay for employee raises
District officials say the 8% raises agreed to for teachers and staff will increase structural deficit to $127 million, requiring cuts to positions and programs over the next three years.
Posted inCommunity
From Richmond to Italy: Tiffany Conway makes her mark at Florence art biennale
The Richmond native was the only Black woman representing the United States at the international art gathering — and one of just six Black artists at the show.
Posted inSchools
Voices charter school given 2-year renewal despite low performance
WCCUSD school board considered revoking its charter because of low test scores but granted a short renewal contingent on academic improvement.
Posted inSchools
Teacher contract ratified but union-district relations fractured after WCCUSD strike
WCCUSD educators ratified an 8% raise after a four-day strike while accusing top administrators of mismanagement and eroded trust.
Posted inSchools
Huelga del WCCUSD: se alcanza un acuerdo provisional. Las clases se reanudarán el jueves
Tras una sesión de negociación de 12 horas durante la noche, el sindicato de maestros y el distrito acordaron un aumento salarial del 8 %, según representantes de la unión.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD strike: Tentative agreement reached. School to resume Thursday
After a 12-hour overnight negotiation session the teachers union and district agree on an 8% raise, union officials said early Wednesday.
Posted inSchools
Update: WCCUSD strike negotiations last late into Tuesday night
The teachers union and school district are preparing to sign an agreement that would suspend the strike.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD strike: District says teachers union’s latest offer would cost more than $180M
As the WCCUSD strike enters its fourth day the union and district prepare to resume negotiations.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD strike: Teachers frustrated district won’t bargain until Tuesday but are hopeful
The strike will continue Tuesday as district, teachers meet to finalize contract details.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD strike: No deal announced. School board member hints resolution may be near
A WCCUSD student and a teacher who crossed picket lines share what it was like on their campuses.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD strike: District-unions will hold negotiating meetings Saturday
An estimated 2,500 rallied at Marina Bay Park in Richmond as the WCCUSD school board held an all-day emergency meeting.
