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.
Category: Schools
Posted inSchools
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 inCommunity
4 things to know — WCCUSD tightens security at graduations; kitten refugees from Orange County chemical emergency
Also: Contra Costa fish and wildlife grant applications are due in July; Richmond summer camps are starting soon.
Posted inSchools
Free field trips give Richmond students lessons no classroom could teach
A recent Iron Triangle sixth grade trip to a 1900s Angel Island immigration center shows what can happen when nonprofits collaborate to fund outdoor learning.
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.
Posted in2026 Election
Contra Costa school superintendent race: Dana Eaton has unofficially won the seat
With the final ballots counted, it appears that Dana Eaton is the county’s next schools superintendent.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD’s deficit has shrunk, but budget cut pain remains
Officials say a state funding increase and staffing vacancies have reduced the expected deficit while difficult cuts reshape schools and learning across west Contra Costa.
Posted inSchools
Saved: 7 music teachers, ROTC and some high school staff. Cut: Dozens of Teamsters jobs, principals and more
The WCCUSD school board gave a reprieve to several popular programs, but dozens of layoffs were approved to help reduce a $127 million deficit.
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
These Richmond high school students are testing their own DNA in biology class
With hands-on projects like this one, AP Biology teacher “Ms. B” makes learning science fun at Leadership Public Schools.
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.
