WCCUSD releases survey in response to in-person learning legislation

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WCCUSD proposes 10% staff cut to pay for 8% raises and close $127 million deficit The West Contra Costa Unified School District has proposed a 10% staff reduction across all unions to help fund recently negotiated 8% salary increases and address a looming $127 million structural deficit. During a January 14 budget presentation, district staff revealed that the 10% workforce cut is a central part of a $60 million savings plan needed over the next three years to keep the district from falling into state receivership. This fiscal crisis stems from the gap between these higher labor costs and a significant decline in state revenue. The proposed layoffs would impact approximately 140 full-time positions within the United Teachers of Richmond alone. Acting Associate Superintendent Jeff Carter informed the board that the district must slash $3.1 million in the 2025–2026 school year, followed by a much larger $42.4 million cut in 2026–2027 and a final $14.2 million the following year. In addition to reducing staff, the district is exploring the "right-sizing" of its school network by merging or closing under-enrolled campuses, which could save an estimated $11.3 million. To maintain daily operations in the meantime, the district is rapidly depleting its emergency reserves. Officials confirmed that a $28.5 million special reserve fund will be completely exhausted, while another $13 million is being withdrawn annually from retiree health benefit accounts. These recommendations will now move to the Board of Education, which is expected to begin formal discussions and voting on specific school closures and layoff notices throughout February.
Photo credit: Kathy Chouteau

West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) families are being asked to respond to a survey about a possible return to in-person instruction. The “Thought Exchange” survey aims to “gather families’ feelings around returning to school,” the district said.

The survey was released in the wake of recently-proposed legislation, Assembly Bill 10, which would require public schools to reopen as soon as spring if infection rates drop. Under the proposed legislation, districts would be required to reopen once their county has moved from the State’s most restrictive color-coded purple tier. 

WCCUSD released its survey on Dec. 16, about a week after AB10 was introduced. Families have until Friday, Jan. 8 at 8 p.m. to respond.

“The survey asks questions around parents’/families’ feelings on what the District needs to consider to make families and students feel safe and supported to return to the classroom when it is safe to do so,” the district said.

The survey is available on the District’s website at www.wccusd.net.

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