The WCCUSD school board gave a reprieve to several popular programs, but dozens of layoffs were approved to help reduce a $127 million deficit.
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
300 WCCUSD jobs could be cut, but school board might spare some beloved programs
While dozens of employees are likely to be laid off or have their hours reduced, district officials aim to save elementary band, Kennedy High electives and De Anza’s JROTC program.
Posted inSchools
Contra Costa County superintendent candidates discuss school finance, charters and AI at election forum
Jag Lathan and Dana Eaton are competing to lead the county Office of Education, which oversees 18 school districts and other student programs. Eaton leads fundraising, with $62,000 in his coffers.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD hires new special ed director but left parents out of the decision
Rachel Chang of the Mt. Diablo school district succeeds a director the teachers union voted “no confidence” in. Parent special ed group says it wasn’t included in the hiring process.
Posted inSchools
Why can’t school districts like WCCUSD increase revenue to avoid budget cuts?
School finance is a mystery to many. We explain how districts can and cannot raise funds and how the problem stems from systemic issues statewide.
Posted inSchools
There’s a new award for WCCUSD high schoolers helping their community
Students who participate in projects such as fighting tobacco law violations or reducing racism can earn a state seal of civic engagement.
Posted inSchools
Contra Costa College cuts staff who support student wellness, academic counseling, enrollment
After backlash, the college district board did backtrack and save one job that supports undocumented students.
Posted inSchools
When the Warriors chose a Richmond high schooler for 1-of-6 scholarships, no one was more surprised than him
Ricardo Magana, a senior at Invictus Academy of Richmond, was honored at a recent Dubs game with a Bay Area All-Star scholarship worth $5,000.
Posted inSchools
For the first time in nearly 10 years, Contra Costa voters will pick a new schools superintendent
The June primary could determine who will lead the county’s 18 school districts, many of which face budget woes and literacy challenges.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD must hire qualified teachers, court rules, setting statewide precedent
The appeals court decision said that every student deserves a qualified teacher, regardless of a teacher shortage, and “the importance of public education is beyond question.”
Posted inCommunity
Local Iranians are intensely stressed about war as they celebrate new year
While Richmond City Council considers anti-war resolution, a local theater and an El Cerrito school focus on listening and healing.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD case could set precedent that classrooms can be staffed with ‘unqualified’ people
At a hearing on Monday, an appeals court justice pressed the district on letting uncredentialed substitutes teach classes for the full year.
Posted inSchools
Should WCCUSD be forced to hire credentialed teachers? A judge may decide
The civil rights case is the first to attempt to enforce a California law requiring districts to meet safety and classroom staffing standards.
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.
