RICHMOND — The West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) Board of Education has appointed Cheryl Cotton as the district’s next superintendent, following a unanimous vote with Trustee Cinthia Hernandez absent vote at Wednesday night’s board meeting. Cotton will assume the role on June 20, 2025, under a three-year contract.
“I am happy to welcome Ms. Cotton back to the WCCUSD. Her familiarity with our community and wide-ranging professional experiences will be instrumental in driving student achievement,” WCCUSD Board President Leslie Reckler said.
Cotton becomes WCCUSD’s 11th permanent superintendent and the first permanent African American woman to hold the role. Dr. Cynthia LeBlanc and Dr. Kim Moses previously served terms as interim superintendent.
Her appointment follows an extensive nationwide search led by Leadership Associates. The Board and search firm engaged in more than 50 listening sessions with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders to gather input on the qualities desired in the next superintendent.
“I am honored to return to the community that shaped my educational journey and professional path,” said Cotton. “Together, we will center equity, support student success, and uplift the voices of our families and educators to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
Cotton currently serves as Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction at the California Department of Education (CDE), where she oversees the Instruction, Measurement, and Administration branch. In this capacity, she leads key programs that promote innovation, instructional quality, student assessment, school accountability, and educator support. Her portfolio includes oversight of the Curriculum Framework and Instructional Resources Division, Multilingual Support Division, Professional Learning Support Division, and the State Special Schools and Services Division.
She previously served as CDE’s Deputy Superintendent of Human Resources and Labor Relations, and also held leadership positions in human resources in the Albany Unified School District and the Contra Costa County Office of Education.
A proud graduate of WCCUSD schools, Cotton served for 14 years in the district as both a school principal and a Human Resources Director. Her deep roots in the community and decades of education leadership reflect a continued commitment to the students and families of West Contra Costa. Cotton earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Arts in Education from Mills College. She resides in the Bay Area with her family.
She succeeds Dr. Kenneth “Chris” Hurst, who announced his retirement in October 2024. Dr. Kim Moses has served as interim superintendent during this transitional period and will return to her permanent role as the Associate Superintendent of Business Services.
“It has been a great honor to serve our community as the Interim Superintendent of the West Contra Costa Unified School District,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Kim Moses. “I am both proud and grateful to have been selected to lead our district in this interim role. I appreciate the guidance of the school board and the support of the executive team as we have worked together to lead our great district during this transitional period. Given my commitment to support the fiscal operations of our district, I am eager to resume my role as the Associate Superintendent of Business Services. Our collective work is extremely important to the success of our students and our schools, and I look forward to supporting our new leader in moving our district forward.”
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