RICHMOND — Grappling with financial, academic, infrastructure and personnel challenges, West Contra Costa Unified School District trustees appointed Cheryl Cotton as the district’s new superintendent on Wednesday.

A former West Contra Costa Unified School District graduate, principal and district office employee, trustees unanimously chose Cotton to replace Dr. Kenneth Hurst and Dr. Kim Moses.

Hurst announced his retirement in October 2024 and Moses, the district’s assistant superintendent of business services, had temporarily held the top position.

“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,” Board President Leslie Reckler said in a statement Wedne

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