Board of Education Meeting | August 12, 2026

The West Contra Costa Unified School District Board of Education held a meeting on August 12, 2026, focusing heavily on the environmental contamination issue at Kennedy High School involving toxic vapor (PCE). The board discussed multiple contingency plans for the school year start, including remaining on campus with mitigation measures, temporary relocation to other district campuses, or an expeditionary learning model involving off-site study trips. Detailed cost estimates were provided: approximately $100,000 for on-site mitigation (Plan A), $350,000 for temporary relocation (Plan B), and variable costs for expeditionary learning (Plan C). The board also reviewed the impact on construction timelines and ongoing environmental testing and mitigation system installation. Transportation logistics, nutrition services, and communication strategies were addressed to support students and staff during potential relocations. Additionally, the board approved several personnel appointments and settlement agreements, discussed playground supervisor staffing adjustments due to budget and enrollment changes, and considered a resolution authorizing investments in the Local Agency Investment Fund. A new job description for an after-hours campus safety specialist was also reviewed, with concerns raised about clarity and negotiation status, leading to a motion to approve the description while reopening negotiations for revisions. Public comments highlighted concerns about transparency in recruitment, transportation safety, and community engagement. Overall, the meeting centered on managing the Kennedy High School environmental crisis with significant procurement and budget implications for mitigation, relocation, and related services.