WCCUSD meeting to discuss vaccine mandates for students, staff

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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confirmed that a $28.5 million special reserve fund will be completely exhausted, while another $13 million is being withdrawn annually from retiree health benefit accounts.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

By Kathy Chouteau

The West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) has scheduled a special board meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. to discuss a hot topic of concern to local families: potential COVID-19 vaccine mandates for students and staff, as well as others closely associated with the district.

At the meeting, which will be held both on Zoom and in-person at DeJean Middle School, 3400 MacDonald Ave. in Richmond (capacity 100), the WCCUSD Board of Trustees will review and possibly take action on three resolutions pertaining to: an employee and volunteer vaccination mandate; a student vaccination mandate, including adult school students; and a vaccination mandate for partner organizations or direct service staff.

According to the meeting agenda and regarding students, the resolution proposes that: “All students who are 12 years of age and older must receive their first vaccine dose no later than 45 calendar days from and their second dose no later than 75 calendar days from adoption of the Resolution;” and that “All other students must receive their first vaccine dose by no later than 30 calendar days after their 12th birthday, and their second dose by no later than 60 calendar days after their 12th birthday.”

The aforementioned timelines would be enforced starting Jan. 3, 2022, per the meeting agenda. To check out the full agenda, click here.

“For the health and safety of your students, staff, families and community, I strongly support the WCCUSD requiring COVID-19 vaccination for all students age 12 and older and all district staff,” said Contra Costa County Health Officer Dr. Chris Farnitano in support of the mandates.

District families and other stakeholders can join the meeting via Zoom here or by phone at 1-669-900-6833 using web ID 443 916 491. Those wishing to join the meeting in person at DeJean Middle School must register before the meeting. Click here to register.

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