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Richmond Today
By the People, for the People
West Contra Costa school board slashes hundreds of positions
Cuts will impact all departments as district faces $87 million budget deficit
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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The West Contra Costa Unified School District is cutting 324 positions, including 186 layoffs, to address a $87 million budget deficit. All departments, from administrators to gardeners and cafeteria workers to teachers and classroom aides, will be impacted by the reductions approved by trustees.
Why it matters
The district has long struggled with financial instability, having been the first in California to declare bankruptcy in 1991. Declining enrollment and rising labor and operational costs have led to revenue not keeping up with expenses, forcing the district to make deep cuts despite recent union contract wins.
The details
The cuts come after the district's teachers and support staff unions recently won 8% raises over two years and 100% employer-funded health care. Administrators had initially offered 0% raises. The district plans to drain $28.5 million from a reserve fund and borrow $39 million from a retiree health fund to help balance the budget.
- The cuts were approved by trustees during their Wednesday meeting on February 26, 2026.
- Pink slips will be sent to impacted staff in the coming months, with layoffs taking effect at the end of the school year.
The players
West Contra Costa Unified School District
A public school district serving the cities of Richmond, San Pablo, El Cerrito, Hercules, Pinole, and parts of unincorporated Contra Costa County in California.
Teamsters Local 856
The union representing campus maintenance, food, security and support staff in the district.
United Teachers of Richmond
The union representing about 1,400 educators, counselors and other education professionals in the district.
Jamela Smith-Folds
A trustee on the West Contra Costa Unified School District board.
Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy
A trustee on the West Contra Costa Unified School District board.
What they’re saying
“'We can't vote on hope.'”
— Jamela Smith-Folds, Trustee (eastbaytimes.com)
“'Where's the accountability for spending like drunken sailors in this district? Priorities, that's where you're lacking at this point, and real accountability.'”
— Francisco Ortiz, President, United Teachers of Richmond (eastbaytimes.com)
What’s next
The district plans to offer retirement incentives to some qualified administrators, and the Contract Review Committee will consider where contracts can be cut to fund music programming, with any adjustments coming back before the board for a vote.
The takeaway
The West Contra Costa Unified School District's ongoing financial struggles, exacerbated by declining enrollment and rising costs, have forced the district to make difficult staffing cuts despite recent union contract wins. This highlights the broader challenges facing many public school districts in California as they navigate budget deficits and work to maintain critical programs and services for students.
