A community in search of a leader: West Contra Costa seeks new superintendent
In the heart of West Contra Costa Unified School District, a diverse community is voicing its hopes and expectations for the next superintendent. Parents, educators, and students alike are looking for a visionary who can navigate the complex landscape of their schools, address longstanding challenges, and forge a path toward progress. As the search unfolds, a narrative of resilience, unity, and transformation emerges—a story waiting to be told.
The quest for a superintendent with deep roots in the community
On a brisk evening in February, a speech language pathologist and member of United Teachers of Richmond stood before the West Contra Costa school board. The backdrop was a decision to cut staffing, including speech specialists—a move that sparked concern and prompted a call for change. This pivotal moment underscored a larger conversation unfolding in the district about the qualities sought in the next superintendent.
Nivette Moore, a parent deeply invested in the district, articulated a sentiment echoed by many: a desire for a leader who embodies accountability, transparency, accessibility, innovation, and cultural competence. “The No. 1 priority we should be looking for in the next superintendent should be someone rooted in the community,” Moore emphasized. “Someone who can melt into all these cultures and understand how to maneuver in our community.”
A town hall hosted by Leadership Associates, the search firm tasked with finding the district’s next leader, became a platform for voices like Moore’s to be heard. Sandy Sanchez Thorstenson, an associate at Leadership Associates, noted the unprecedented level of engagement from the community. “This is the most level of engagement I have experienced,” she remarked, highlighting the firm’s commitment to listening, learning, and understanding the district’s multifaceted needs.
Amidst the dialogue and deliberation, a common thread emerged—concerns about communication, transparency, and collaboration within the district. A lack of consistent dialogue between stakeholders has posed challenges, leaving parents like Moore frustrated and seeking change. “The superintendent should be able to figure out the issue and fix it,” Moore asserted. “We want somebody to come in and who’s not going to be afraid to push the envelope.”
Challenges and opportunities on the horizon
As the search for the next superintendent unfolds, the district’s next leader will inherit a legacy of challenges. From declining test scores to teacher vacancies, chronic absenteeism, and financial instability, West Contra Costa faces a complex set of issues that demand innovative solutions and steadfast leadership.
Francisco Ortiz, president of United Teachers of Richmond, emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges head-on. “Students can’t wait for fully staffed schools,” Ortiz emphasized. “They can’t wait for a district that prioritizes retaining and attracting high-quality educators.” The call for stability, investment, and collaboration rings loud and clear as the district embarks on a new chapter.
Sheryl Lane, a parent and executive director of Fierce Advocates, underscored the need for a superintendent who can recruit, retain, and engage with teachers effectively. Her son, Ashton Desmangles, a student at Korematsu Middle School, highlighted the importance of accessibility and relationship-building in shaping a positive school environment. Their voices, alongside many others, paint a portrait of a community eager for change and committed to shaping its future.
Navigating a shifting landscape of education leadership
The search for a new superintendent comes at a time when recruiting educational leaders has become increasingly challenging. A confluence of factors—from political tensions to budget constraints and pandemic-related disruptions—has created a high-stress environment for superintendents across the state.
Jim Brown, a senior adviser at Leadership Associates, acknowledged the unique obstacles facing districts in their quest for the right leader. “Finding superintendent candidates who meet the unique needs of school districts and their populations is always difficult,” Brown observed. The current climate of uncertainty and change has added new layers of complexity to an already demanding role.
Despite the challenges, the search for a superintendent offers a beacon of hope and opportunity for West Contra Costa. With a community eager for change, a legacy of resilience, and a commitment to collaboration, the district stands poised to welcome a leader who can inspire, innovate, and transform. As the search unfolds, the voices of parents, teachers, and students will continue to shape the narrative of West Contra Costa’s educational future.
