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.
Category: Schools
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 inSchools
California maintains school vaccine rules despite Trump order
With measles cases rising in the California, state health officials warned that Donald Trump’s recent vaccine announcement flies in the face of expert recommendations.
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
PCE at Kennedy High isn’t currently a health risk, doctors say
WCCUSD officials and medical experts emphasized that the dry cleaning chemical hasn’t been found in Richmond’s drinking water and medical testing is not necessary.
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
Updated Q&A about the Kennedy High closure and PCE testing
What is PCE? Are students safe? When can we expect test results? Answers from the state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control.
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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 inSchools
‘Wendy isn’t here.’ San Pablo third-grader’s deportation saddens Downer Elementary pupils
More than 400 children have been deported from California since President Trump stepped up ICE enforcement efforts. Here’s how one case made a lasting impression on a local classroom.
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.
