The West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) Board of Trustees voted 4-1 Friday to reopen its 54 schools for limited in-person learning starting April 19. Trustee Jamela Smith-Folds voted no.
In-person learning will be voluntary for teachers and staff, according to the agreement reached between the district and its employee unions, which negotiated for 12 hours on Thursday and Friday. Students will be offered the opportunity for in-person instruction during the regular school hours from 10 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. In-person student cohorts will not exceed 15 students, the district said.
“The number of staff volunteering for the plan will determine the number of students served under the agreement,” according to the district.
The latest agreement increases the hours and opportunities for in-person intervention and instruction for the district’s highest-needs students (8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday and either Thursday or Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.); keeps the current daily distance learning schedule between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for students who remain home; allows all students to participate in in-person socio-emotional learning Thursdays or Fridays (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.); and preserves districtwide staff Race and Equity professional development on Fridays, according to the district.
Union members still need to ratify the agreement, which can be viewed in further detail here.
“I’m proud of the work everyone has done to get us to this point,” WCCUSD Superintendent Matthew Duffy said. “I’m excited to welcome WCCUSD students and staff back on April 19 for those who would like to return.”
