Superintendent Cotton

The Superintendent's Office at West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) is located at 1108 Bissell Ave, Richmond, CA 94801. This office serves as the central hub for the district’s leadership and administration, where strategic decisions are made to guide the district’s educational and operational goals.

Cheryl Cotton serves as WCCUSD’s 11th permanent superintendent and the first permanent African American woman to hold the role. 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 previously served as CDE’s Deputy Superintendent of Human Resources and Labor Relations, Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction at the California Department of Education (CDE), Deputy and also held leadership positions in human resources in the Albany Unified School District and the Contra Costa County Office of Education.

The office is home to Rosa Cornejo, the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent. Rosa has been with WCCUSD for over plays a key role in supporting the superintendent by managing schedules, coordinating meetings, handling certain communications, and leading various administrative tasks. Her contributions ensure the smooth running of the office and help facilitate communication between the superintendent and the public, staff, and other stakeholders.

In the Superintendent’s Office, key activities include overseeing district-wide initiatives, addressing community concerns, managing the district’s goals for academic achievement, and working on policies related to school safety, funding, and educational programs. It is a vital part of the district’s overall operations, ensuring that the district’s leadership is well-supported in its mission to provide quality education.

The office typically operates Monday through Friday during regular business hours, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, although these hours may vary during holidays or special events.