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.
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
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.
Posted inSchools
Update: If Kennedy High can’t be reopened by Aug. 18, classes could move to Craneway, Contra Costa College or elsewhere
State officials confirmed Thursday that the source of the underground chemical is a plume from the Miraflores housing site.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD to hold public meeting about chemical found at Kennedy High
The state Department of Toxic Substances Control told WCCUSD there is “no immediate risk” from the discovery of tetrachloroethylene but further testing is needed.
Posted inCommunity
Former astronaut José Hernández sees his hometown in Richmond. So he’s paying a visit
Hernández, a motivational speaker with a four-year waiting list, made an exception for Richmond SOL and will be the keynote speaker for the group’s first community awards night.
Posted in2026 Election
West Contra Costa schools seek parcel tax renewal to raise $10M a year
The tax, currently known as Measure T, pays for school sports, libraries and counselors — but new polling suggests voter support isn’t guaranteed.
Posted inSchools
Frustrated with how WCCUSD is run? There are two open school board seats
The filing period for the Nov. 3 election, which includes Richmond’s Contra Costa College board seat, closes Aug. 7.
Posted inSchools
Saying goodbye to ‘Coach Turner.’ Beloved school mentor for generations of Richmonders retires
Whether breaking up fights, mediating conflicts or simply listening, Robert Turner was a mentor who impacted generations of WCCUSD families.
Posted inSchools
Hercules High teacher told Latino student she would support his deportation if he was ‘illegal’
Update: WCCUSD said Wednesday that it investigated complaints made against English teacher Michelle Gerst in February, put her on paid administrative leave and ultimately reinstated her.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD will avoid more layoffs and program cuts by using surplus funds — at least until 2028
In a 3-2 vote the school board reverses course and bucks the advice of its financial director in approving a budget that uses a one-time surplus and some reserve money.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD board to vote on $87M plan to help at-risk students succeed
While many groups, including Black students, foster youths and students with disabilities, are doing better, low test scores, lagging graduation rates and absenteeism persist.
Posted inSchools
The rate of WCCUSD students mastering English is higher than ever. But progress is still slow
More than 700 students graduated from the district’s English learner program this year, but concerns include slow progress, test scores and staffing.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD expects to have extra money for the first time in years. The board is weighing whether to spend it
The district projects a $12.2 million operating surplus next year, but officials say they still may need to make budget cuts.
