WCCUSD board OKs plan to head off cuts in 2027-28 and 2028-29 on 3-2 vote
The West Contra Costa Unified School District board at its June 24 meeting unanimously approved a budget for 2026-27 with only brief discussion. The board was more divided on a resolution that calls for one-time funds and reserves to be used in 2027-28 and 2028-29 to head off additional cuts. The vote on the resolution was 3-2, with Leslie Reckler and Jamela Smith-Folds voting no.
Without the use of the one-time funds and reserves the district faces $14.2 million in reductions in each of 2027-28 and 2028-29.
There was consensus that the district has already undergone painful reductions in its 2026-27 budget, with supporters of the resolution wanting to head off even more reductions on top of those.
The two school board members opposed to the resolution expressed concern about the school district’s long-term fiscal solvency, with the district leaving itself unprepared for possible increased costs and the possible failure of a parcel tax renewal on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot. The school district counts on the parcel tax for about $10 million a year.
Superintendent Cheryl Cotton said the district has already cut close to 10% of its workforce. While the cuts have been very difficult, she said, spending more money than it is taking in will continue the district’s pattern of fiscal insolvency.
Three school board members took to Facebook within hours of the vote to explain their positions. Those posts are linked below:
Agenda and supporting materials
Adoption of the 2026-27 budget is item E2 and begins at 1:08 on the recording.
The resolution to “Commit Funds for Modifying Fiscal Solvency Plan” is item E3 and begins at 1:15 on the recording.
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