Kim Moses, a prominent leader within the West Contra Costa Unified School District, has announced her retirement effective at the end of the current school year. After nearly two decades with the district, her departure marks the conclusion of a distinguished career in education that spans over thirty years, beginning as a teacher in the Oakland Unified School District.
In a statement confirming her retirement, Superintendent Cheryl Cotton expressed gratitude for Moses’s contributions, stating, “We will miss Dr. Moses’s wisdom and leadership, but we are also grateful for the legacy she leaves behind.”
A Journey Through Education
Moses, an alumna of the West Contra Costa Unified School District, holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of California, Berkeley, teaching credentials from California State University East Bay, a master’s degree in urban education leadership from UC Berkeley, and a doctorate of education from East Carolina University. Her extensive career within the district includes roles as principal at several elementary schools, such as Nystrom, Wilson, Stege, and Ohlone, as well as positions as a special education administrator and associate superintendent of business.
Following the retirement of former Superintendent Kenneth Hurst, Moses served as interim superintendent while the district searched for a permanent leader. She returned to her role as associate superintendent following Cotton’s appointment this summer.
“From her early days as a principal and coordinator to her role as Associate Superintendent of Business Services and her time recently as Interim Superintendent, Dr. Moses has led with commitment, compassion, and love for our community,” Cotton remarked.
Financial Challenges and Achievements
Throughout her tenure, Moses has navigated the district through significant financial challenges, including substantial budget cuts to ensure continued local control. The district has a history of financial instability, with a state takeover occurring in the 1990s, leading to the repayment of a nearly $29 million loan. Currently, the district has reached an agreement with the Contra Costa County Office of Education to reduce its budget by $32.7 million over the next three years.
Her retirement announcement comes shortly after district leaders reached tentative agreements with two unions: Teamsters Local 856, representing various staff members, and the United Teachers of Richmond, which includes approximately 1,400 educators, counselors, and other employees. A joint strike by these unions resulted in an 8% pay increase over the next two years, enhanced health care benefits, and improved working conditions, despite warnings from district leadership about potential future budget cuts.
The district’s board of trustees has yet to approve these tentative agreements, raising concerns among union members who expressed their worries during a recent meeting. Although Moses will officially retire in June, the board and Cotton plan to select a successor who will assume her responsibilities during the upcoming spring semester, as noted by Trustee Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy on social media.
Moses’s retirement marks not only the end of her personal journey but also a pivotal moment for the West Contra Costa Unified School District as it continues to navigate financial challenges and strive for stability in its educational mission.
