Board approves lactation policy, accepts Williams report and ends Richmond High emergency action

The West Contra Costa Unified School District board on Dec. 10 approved multiple governance and facilities items: it adopted Board Policy 4033 on lactation accommodations, accepted the Contra Costa County Office of Education’s annual Williams facilities report, and terminated an emergency action at Richmond High School.

Trustees moved Policy 4033 to finalize districtwide lactation accommodations after a first reading. A trustee noted California law does not require paid lactation time beyond standard breaks; the policy is intended to establish consistent breaks and safe spaces for lactating employees across the district. The motion passed unanimously on roll-call votes.

Staff presented the county-prepared Williams report, which grades campus facilities and checks textbook and teacher sufficiency. The report noted 75% of sites scored 85% or higher on facilities inspections; the district noted some items scored lower would be addressed during scheduled maintenance windows. Staff clarified that items listed as “unresolved” on the county’s annual report were timing artifacts from quarterly reporting and had been closed after the reporting period.

District staff also reported a restoration of permanent power at Richmond High on Nov. 26 after a breaker refurbishment, and recommended terminating the previously declared emergency. The board approved termination of the emergency action.

Separately, the board approved provisional internship permits that allow hiring applicants who have not yet satisfied subject-matter competence when the district has diligently recruited fully credentialed teachers and none were available. Several trustees were absent for individual votes during the later items but motions carried as recorded.

The meeting recessed back to closed session after these items; staff indicated they would provide a close-session report-out on reconvening.