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Navigating Big Decisions: West Contra Costa Unified New Leaders’ Focus
In a significant transition for the West Contra Costa Unified School District, Guadalupe Enllana, a community advocate from Richmond, was sworn in as the new board member for Area 2. Joining her were Cinthia Hernandez, who replaced an eight-year incumbent in Area 3, and incumbent Jamela Smith-Folds, who began her second term representing Pinole and Hercules in Area 1. The new members were sworn in during the board’s final meeting of the year, setting the stage for the challenges that lie ahead in 2025.
Challenges Ahead for West Contra Costa Unified
The West Contra Costa Unified School District, encompassing Richmond, El Cerrito, San Pablo, and other East Bay communities, faces various challenges reminiscent of its larger neighbors in Oakland and San Francisco. These obstacles include declining enrollments, budget deficits, and the looming threat of deportation for undocumented immigrants, impacting numerous families within the district.
Uncontested School Board Seats Trend
Reflecting a statewide trend, the West Contra Costa Unified School District saw uncontested races during the recent election, with only one seat being contested. Guadalupe Enllana secured her position with nearly 55% of the vote, replacing incumbent Otheree Christian. Similarly, Cinthia Hernandez ran unopposed, taking over from Mister Phillips, while Jamela Smith-Folds began her second term unopposed.
The Quest for a Permanent Superintendent
Among the district’s imminent decisions is the selection of a permanent superintendent. Interim superintendent Kim Moses, a district veteran and former student of Kennedy High School in Richmond, took her place at the helm following the retirement of Superintendent Kenneth “Chris” Hurst. Hurst stepped down after more than three years in the role to care for his ailing mother-law, leaving a leadership vacuum that the board must address.
Addressing Divisions and Uncertainties
The board’s composition has seen considerable changes, marked by the departure of former board President Jamela Smith-Folds and the election of Leslie Reckler as her successor. The new board faces the challenge of fostering collaboration and unity, particularly after the rift during the failed approval of the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) earlier in the year.
Personal Story from Guadalupe Enllana
As a mother of four children and a first-time board member, Guadalupe Enllana shared her journey of navigating the district’s programs and advocating for her child with special needs. Her personal experience as a teen mom highlighted the challenges parents face in understanding and engaging with the board’s decisions. Enllana’s commitment to student-focused decision-making, transparency, and community engagement reflects her aspirations for a more inclusive and responsive educational system.
The Importance of Representation and Engagement
With the departure of Otheree Christian, the board now comprises only one Black member, underscoring the district’s evolving demographic landscape. As the student body becomes increasingly diverse, with a majority of Latino students, there is a growing need for meaningful engagement with all communities to ensure equitable and inclusive education for all.
In conclusion, the West Contra Costa Unified School District’s new leadership team faces a pivotal moment in addressing the multifaceted challenges ahead. With a focus on transparency, community engagement, and student-centered decision-making, the board aims to navigate the complexities of educational governance while fostering unity and collaboration.
Louis Freedberg contributed to this story.
