WCCUSD to host community safety forum via Zoom

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confirmed that a $28.5 million special reserve fund will be completely exhausted, while another $13 million is being withdrawn annually from retiree health benefit accounts.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

In the wake of safety issues at campuses, the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) will host a community safety forum on Tuesday, April 26, to review the district’s safety plan and take questions and feedback from the community.

The forum will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

“I want to stress the importance of this event and your attendance,” said WCCUSD Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Chris Hurst. “This is your opportunity to hear from the district safety team about our short-term actions and long-term safety plans. We will discuss the increase in incidents we have seen lately, and some commonalities we have found. We’ll also share information on how we are tracking incidents and what we are doing to monitor school sites.”

To join Tuesday’s webinar, click here.

Access the via Phone: +1(669) 900-6833
Webinar ID: 930 7007 5240
Passcode: 931438

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