While still below state standards, the trend is encouraging, officials say. Career and college preparedness improved and there were fewer suspensions and higher grad rates.
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
Hazing investigation shuts down El Cerrito High’s football program as police consider up to 22 arrests
Authorities are looking at current and former players for sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, and stalking charges.
Posted in2026 Election
WCCUSD’s Measure V appears to have won, according to Friday’s election results
The parcel tax has well over the 66.6% of votes needed for it to pass.
Posted in2026 Election
Update: Richmond education equity advocate elected to Contra Costa College board
Richmond resident Raquel Donoso had 61% of the votes cast while Cameron Sasai had 39% as of Friday.
Posted in2026 Election
Community college board candidate accused of missing campaign finance deadlines
Raquel Donoso disclosed $15,500 in contributions on time in regular filings but submitted required 24-hour reports late, according to an FPPC complaint that also questions the wording of her campaign text message disclaimers.
Posted in2026 Election
How much could Richmond and regional ballot measures cost you?
From a tax to fund transit agencies to initiatives to fix fire stations and pay for school programs, here’s how the proposed measures could affect household budgets.
Posted in2026 Election
Measure V parcel tax costs ‘less than a Netflix subscription,’ WCCUSD says. Here’s what it pays for
Student athletes fear what they might lose if it fails. Tax also funds libraries and other programs that have already been significantly cut back.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD renews Summit Tam’s charter but says test scores must improve
WCCUSD trustees praised the charter school’s culture and college readiness programs while raising concerns about persistently low math and English scores.
Posted inSchools
Update: WCCUSD clarifies details of ICE arrest of Richmond man near elementary school
It’s believed that a local father was arrested by immigration enforcement agents Thursday, but officials said their children don’t attend WCCUSD schools.
Posted in2026 Election
Richmond education equity advocate is running against Pinole council member in Contra Costa College board race
The two candidates discuss their approaches to a race focused on student support, workforce pathways and the district’s financial challenges.
Posted in2026 Election
Richmond mayoral debate: Candidates clash over public safety
Anderson advocates for hiring more police officers while Jimenez doubled down on the city’s alternative policing programs.
Posted inSchools
Incoming WCCUSD board member said teachers strike inspired her to run
Political newcomer Caitlin Garibaldi was uncontested for Area 5. Area 4’s Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy returns for a third term committed to improving student performance and increasing enrollment and attendance.
Posted inSchools
Students are suffering in sweltering classrooms, WCCUSD teachers say
Teachers say classroom temperatures reached 80 degrees or higher during the recent heat wave. A survey found that 24 schools need upgrades to keep the temperatures under 76 degrees.
Posted inSchools
Court-appointed former school superintendent to ensure WCCUSD hires qualified teachers
The appointment is the result of the district losing a lawsuit over its practice of using subs instead of properly credentialed teachers.
Posted inSchools
‘This is a lifeline.’ Contra Costa College opens expanded basic needs center for students
The Compass Center’s new location has more space for centralized services, a larger food pantry and clothing and housing and transportation resources.
Posted inCommunity
How Dolly Parton helped bring 27K free books to East Bay children
Dolly Parton, whose father was illiterate, founded Imagination Library in 1995. She has given away more than 300 million books.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD students return to nearly fully staffed schools today
With only 37 vacancies — the lowest this time of year in recent memory — plus an all-clear for Kennedy’s chemical scare, WCCUSD is back in session.
Posted inSchools
Kennedy High to reopen after tests showed air is safe
The kitchen and welding shop will be closed pending further PCE testing, but now students can start school as planned on Aug. 18.
Posted inSchools
Where will Kennedy High students go if the campus remains closed? There are 3 options
WCCUSD considers sending students to other schools, opening up select ‘safe’ Kennedy buildings, or offering off-campus learning.
Posted inSchools
Toxic chemical at Kennedy High: How students, community members can raise concerns
Kennedy families will gather for a private student summit while worried residents can join a public webinar with UCSF doctors or attend the school board meeting.
