RICHMOND — Dr. Kenneth Hurst, superintendent of West Contra Costa Unified School District, announced his retirement Monday as he turns his attention to caring for family.
Hurst, whose career in education spans 26 years and followed more than a decade spent in the United States Marines, will be leaving the district in December after more than three years as superintendent to help care for his mother-in-law.
“This decision was made with a heavy heart, but one rooted in my deep commitment to my family,” Hurst said in a video announcing his retirement Monday. “Family is my top priority at this time. I must focus on being there for my loved one.”
Hurst shared pride in the school community overcoming “incredible challenges” since he took the helm in 2021, when students were just beginning to return to the classroom after the Covid-19 pandemic forced the world to shelter in place.
“None of this would have been possible without your support and dedication,” Hurst said. “The relationships we built, the progress we’ve made together have been some of my most meaningful experiences of my life.”
Board President Jamela Smith-Folds credited Hurst with helping lead the district’s anti-racism work in a statement. The board approved an anti-racism policy in August; district leadership had worked with experts for more than a year to better understand how to address the issue after parents of Black students raised concerns about racism on campuses and a lack of resources.
“Dr. Hurst has left a lasting legacy with his commitment to anti-racism in WCCUSD. While the majority of the board are saddened to see him retire, we fully support his decision to prioritize his family at this time,” Smith-Folds said.
Hurst’s departure comes as the district faces continued challenges. A lawsuit filed against the district in July by six district educators, staff and parents accuses officials of illegally violating students’ rights by failing to address poor facilities conditions and teacher vacancies.
That lawsuit came after three legal “Williams” complaints were filed with the California Department of Education asserting that staffing shortages had grown unacceptably dire in a district that serves about 30,000 students in Hercules, Pinole, El Sobrante, San Pablo, Richmond and El Cerrito. It’s among the most diverse districts in the region with a student population this past school year of 58.5 percent Latino, 11.5 percent Black, 10 percent Asian, 9 percent white and 4 percent Filipino, according to the California Department of Education.
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Budgeting and financial planning has also been a challenge for the district. In July, the Contra Costa County Office of Education temporarily took over budget planning responsibilities from the district after trustees failed to establish a Local Control Accountability Plan in a timely manner. The plan, formally adopted by the board in late August, is meant to serve as an outline for how district funds will be spent to improve student outcomes, especially those of high-needs students.
The district’s fiscal year 2024-25 budget, adopted during the same meeting as the LCAP, projects years of deficit spending that will be paid down with about $32 million from reserve funds.
Francisco Ortiz, president of United Teachers of Richmond, said the union is grateful for Hurst’s work around the Community Schools Strategy, while calling on trustees to be proactive in finding a new superintendent who will prioritize budgeting transparency and work diligently to address staff vacancies.
“It’s critical that the board focuses on stability, and invests in bringing students back to our district rather than resorting to cuts to essential staff while vacancies still need to be filled. Our students deserve robust and consistent support. We insist that our school board find a new leader willing and able to challenge the heavy-handed, short-sided oversight of the Contra Costa Office of Education. This dynamic is hurting West County students every single day,” Ortiz said in an email statement.
Meanwhile, Hursts shared optimism for the future of the district in his retirement announcement. His last day will be in December, and the board is slated to discuss appointing his replacement in closed session Tuesday.
“The district is in a strong place, with a clear vision for the future, and I’m confident that our leadership, teachers and staff will continue to carry forward the important work we’ve started ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeeded,” Hurst said. “While I will be leaving, my heart will always remain with this district.”
