WCCUSD Board appoints homegrown leader as interim superintendent

Staff

2 years ago

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confirmed that a $28.5 million special reserve fund will be completely exhausted, while another $13 million is being withdrawn annually from retiree health benefit accounts.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

Dr. Kim Moses will serve as interim superintendent of the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) after Superintendent Dr. Kenneth C. Hurst retires in December.

The WCCUSD Board of Education appointed Moses to the position, effective in December, during a closed session board meeting Tuesday at DeJean Middle School.

The Board will start searching for a permanent superintendent later this year.

Dr. Moses, who is currently the district’s associate superintendent of Business Services, attended Richmond schools throughout her childhood through 12th grade, when she graduated from Kennedy High in 1989. Her 30-year career includes 18 years in leadership roles within the WCCUSD. She’s been a teacher, principal, and administrator.

“I am honored and humbled to serve in this interim role,” Dr. Moses said, adding she has great respect for Dr. Hurst, who recently announced he is retiring to move closer to ailing family.

Dr. Moses added, “I look forward to working with our staff, labor partners, and the community to support our schools and our students during this transition.”

Dr. Moses holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UC Berkeley and also a doctoral degree from East Carolina University. For 12 years prior to joining the WCCUSD, she taught at Oakland Unified School District. She later served as vice principal at Nystrom Elementary and principal at Wilson Elementary (now Michelle Obama Elementary).

In her current role within Business Services, the district reached a healthy fiscal status, “moving from a high-risk district to a low-risk district this year,” according to a district statement.

Superintendent Hurst described Dr. Moses as “a dedicated and accomplished leader with deep roots in this community.”

“I have full confidence that she will continue the progress we’ve made and lead the district with strength and compassion,” he said in the statement.

Board President Jamela Smith-Folds added, “Dr. Moses is a true example of what it means to grow our own leaders.”