Richmond native Cheryl Cotton has been appointed as superintendent of the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD).
The WCCUSD Board of Education voted unanimously to select Cotton as the district’s 11th permanent superintendent at Wednesday night’s board meeting, with Trustee Hernandez absent.
Cotton, who becomes the WCCUSD’s first permanent African American woman to hold the role, will start a three-year contract on June 20. Dr. Cynthia LeBlanc and Dr. Moses previously served terms as interim superintendents.
Cotton succeeds Dr. Kenneth “Chris” Hurst, who announced his retirement in October. Dr. Moses, who served as interim superintendent during this transitional period, will return to her permanent role as the Associate Superintendent of Business Services.
Cotton currently serves as deputy superintendent of Public Instruction at the California Department of Education (CDE), where she oversees the Instruction, Measurement, and Administration branch. Previously she has held leadership roles in human resources in the Albany Unified School District and the Contra Costa County Office of Education.
Cotton graduated from WCCUSD schools and served 14 years in the district as both a school principal and a Human Resources Director. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare from the UC Berkeley and a Master of Arts in Education from Mills College.
“I am happy to welcome Ms. Cotton back to the WCCUSD,” district Board President Leslie Reckler said. “Her familiarity with our community and wide-ranging professional experiences will be instrumental in driving student achievement.”
Cotton was appointed after a nationwide search led by Leadership Associates and over 50 listening sessions with the school community.
“I am honored to return to the community that shaped my educational journey and professional path,” said Cotton. “Together, we will center equity, support student success, and uplift the voices of our families and educators to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
