**Rebuilding Deteriorating East Bay School: A Yearslong Battle**
After a yearslong battle to address the deteriorating conditions plaguing Stege Elementary School in Richmond, the West Contra Costa Unified School District has finally secured enough funds to not just remodel but fully rebuild the school.
**A Victory for Stege Elementary**
It’s been a long-awaited victory for the students, staff, and community members of Stege Elementary School. The district had initially promised to redesign the school at the beginning of the 2020-21 school year, but those plans never came to fruition. Now, a complete rebuild is on the horizon, with the new school projected to open its doors by the fall of 2027.
**The Road to Rebuilding**
The unanimous decision to increase the budget for the redesign of Stege Elementary School from $43 million to $61 million was made during the last board meeting of 2024. This increase was necessary as the initial $43 million budget was insufficient to cover the costs of a complete rebuild.
Following community backlash and demands for a rebuild instead of a remodel, the district managed to allocate an additional $18 million in spare funds towards the reconstruction of the school. These funds were sourced from leftover budgets of previously completed building modernization projects.
**An Issue of Equality**
Community members expressed their frustrations with the district’s delayed response, highlighting the disparities that exist in the treatment of schools serving predominantly Black and brown students. Stege Elementary, with the highest population of Black and African American students in the district, has faced challenges with low academic performance over the years.
**Challenges and Lawsuits**
The school’s struggles extended beyond academics, with reports of poor building conditions leading to a lawsuit filed by civil rights law firm Public Advocates. Allegations of mold, asbestos, broken infrastructure, and hazardous materials prompted the closure of the school in July 2024.
**Moving Forward**
While the rebuilding of Stege Elementary marks a positive step towards addressing longstanding issues, there is a renewed call for transparency and community involvement in the process. Board member Guadalupe Enllana emphasized the importance of community buy-in to ensure that the reconstruction efforts are inclusive and beneficial to all stakeholders.
As Stege Elementary looks towards a new beginning, the hope is for a brighter future where all students can thrive in a safe and supportive learning environment.
