West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) Superintendent Dr. Kenneth C. Hurst, Sr. will retire in December after more than three years with the district.
In a recent video announcement, Dr. Hurst said he and his wife plan to move closer to family to provide care and support for his ailing mother-in-law.
“Family and faith are at the core of who I am, and I must prioritize them at this time,” he said. “I am incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made as a district, and I know that the dedicated leadership team we’ve built will continue this work to support our students and staff.”
The WCCUSD School Board will meet Tuesday to appoint an interim superintendent.
A WCCUSD statement credited Dr. Hurst, who joined the district in 2021, with guiding it through the safe return to in-person learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Under his leadership, the district has made substantial progress in improving equity, advancing student achievement, strengthening recruitment and retention efforts, and ensuring fiscal responsibility,” the district states. “He has been a key driver of initiatives that have strengthened the district’s commitment to supporting students and staff.”
Board President Jamela Smith-Folds added in the statement that Dr. Hurst’s has left a lasting legacy with his commitment to anti-racism.
“While we are saddened to see him retire, we fully support his decision to prioritize his family at this time,” she said.
