Policies, Rights & Resources

On August 7, the WCCUSD Board of Education approved the first school district Antiracism Policy in Contra Costa County and the second in the state of California. Join us in actively fighting against racial injustice wherever we find it: within the curriculum, within educational spaces, and within ourselves, and join us on the road to becoming an anti-racist district.

The Governing Board is committed to the work of antiracism: the conscious and active effort to identify, challenge, and correct racial inequities in the systems and institutions within our schools and community. Racism, explicit or implicit, stands in direct conflict to the fundamental principles of District education. To carry District education into the future, we recognize that we must continually renew and reflect on the roots of racism and develop new ideas to meet the times.

WCCUSD governing board
08/07/2024

Racism, explicit or implicit, stands in direct conflict to the fundamental principles of WCCUSD education. To carry WCCUSD education into the future, we recognize that we must continually renew and reflect on the roots of racism and develop new ideas to meet the times. 

Unjust ideas and policies, and the racial inequity they produce, have shaped us, our schools, and our society. We strive to uncover unconscious biases and practice anti-racism as individuals and as Board members. We challenge ourselves to persist through the discomfort necessary for growth and learning, to deepen our listening and our examination of racism and oppression, and to develop a strong understanding of how our personal experiences and feelings fit into a larger picture of continual oppression. 

Each member of our school board, individually and collectively, is responsible for creating and nurturing an antiracist learning environment where each student, staff member, and community partner is a respected and valued member of the WCCUSD community. We are uniquely positioned, and it is our responsibility to identify and dismantle racist ideas and inequitable policies in ourselves and across the district. 

Therefore, we commit to supporting anti-racist policies, programs, and practices for our children’s education and well-being, while building strong and inclusive school communities. We commit to holding each board member accountable towards these goals and moving the work of antiracism forward. We also commit to holding West Contra Costa Unified School District staff, students, and community to living these standards of anti-racism in our schools.

FILE A COMPLAINT

How To File A Complaint 

Step 1:

Complete the Uniform Complaint Form:
English   |   Spanish

Step 2:

Return the completed form to: 

Jose Espinoza
Director, Office of Educational Equity|Title IX Coordinator
West Contra Costa Unified School District
1108 Bissell Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: (510) 231-1118
Email: jespinoza2@wccusd.net 

More information about the UCP process is available from the California Department of Education https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cp/uc/.

Uniform Complaint Procedures

The Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) are designed to address complaints related to violations of state and federal laws and regulations governing educational programs. The types of complaints that should be submitted using the UCP form include:

1. Unlawful Discrimination: Complaints related to discrimination based on any protected characteristic, such as:

   • Race
   • Ethnicity
   • Gender or gender identity
   • Sexual orientation
   • Disability
   • Religion
   • National origin
   • Age
   • Any other characteristic protected by law

   This includes allegations of unequal treatment, access to opportunities, or resources based on these protected characteristics.
    

2. Intimidation: Complaints involving acts of intimidation, where students feel threatened or coerced due to their identity or other protected characteristics.
    

3. Bullying: Complaints regarding bullying behaviors that are based on a student’s protected characteristic, such as race, disability, or gender. This includes physical or verbal harassment or cyberbullying.
    

4. Violations of Specific Federal and State Programs: Complaints related to violations of laws or regulations governing specific educational programs funded by federal or state categorical funds, such as:

   • Adult Education
   • Career Technical Education
   • Child Care and Development

   These programs are subject to compliance with various state and federal requirements, and complaints alleging violations within these areas can be filed under the UCP.

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is defined as any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, and including one or more acts committed by a pupil or group of pupils directed toward one or more pupils that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of causing a reasonable pupil to experience a substantially detrimental effect on the pupil’s physical or mental health, academic performance, or ability to participate in school activities. Board Policy 5131.2

Social Media Bullying

The following are references to possible forums for social media bullying: 

1. Internet websites with free registration and ease of registration.
2. Internet websites offering peer-to-peer instant messaging.
3. Internet websites offering comment forums or sections.
4. Internet websites offering image or video posting platforms.
    

Bullying and Cyberbullying Board Policy and Administrative Regulation

• Legal Notice for Pupils and Parents/Guardians Bullying and Harassment 
• Legal Notice for Pupils and Parents/Guardians Bullying and Harassment (Spanish)
• Board Policy 5131.2 - Bullying
• Board Policy 5131.2  - Bullying  (Spanish) 
• Administrative Regulation 5131.2 - Bullying
• Administrative Regulation  5131.2 - Bullying  (Spanish) 
   

Non-discrimination / Harassment / Intimidation / Bullying Policy

• Board Policy 5145.3 - Nondiscrimination, Harassment, Intimidation, & Bullying
• Board Policy 5145.3 - Nondiscrimination, Harassment, Intimidation, & Bullying (Spanish)
• Administrative Regulation 5145.3 - Nondiscrimination, Harassment, Intimidation, & Bullying
• Administrative Regulation 5145.3 - Nondiscrimination, Harassment, Intimidation, & Bullying (Spanish)

FILE A COMPLAINT

How To File A Complaint 

Step 1:

Complete the Uniform Complaint Forms
English   |   Spanish

Step 2:

Return the completed form to: 

Jose Espinoza
Director, Office of Educational Equity|Title IX Coordinator
West Contra Costa Unified School District
1108 Bissell Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: (510) 231-1118
Email: jespinoza2@wccusd.net 

More information about the UCP process is available from the California Department of Education https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cp/uc/.

Uniform Complaint Procedures

The Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) are designed to address complaints related to violations of state and federal laws and regulations governing educational programs. The types of complaints that should be submitted using the UCP form include:

1. Unlawful Discrimination: Complaints related to discrimination based on any protected characteristic, such as:

   • Race
   • Ethnicity
   • Gender or gender identity
   • Sexual orientation
   • Disability
   • Religion
   • National origin
   • Age
   • Any other characteristic protected by law

   This includes allegations of unequal treatment, access to opportunities, or resources based on these protected characteristics.
    

2. Intimidation: Complaints involving acts of intimidation, where students feel threatened or coerced due to their identity or other protected characteristics.
    

3. Bullying: Complaints regarding bullying behaviors that are based on a student’s protected characteristic, such as race, disability, or gender. This includes physical or verbal harassment or cyberbullying.
    

4. Violations of Specific Federal and State Programs: Complaints related to violations of laws or regulations governing specific educational programs funded by federal or state categorical funds, such as:

   • Adult Education
   • Career Technical Education
   • Child Care and Development

   These programs are subject to compliance with various state and federal requirements, and complaints alleging violations within these areas can be filed under the UCP.

get in touch

 

Division Head

Dr. Camille Johnson, Associate Superintendent of Human Resources

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Director, Office of Educational Equity/Title IX Coordinator

Jose Espinoza
Office: 1108 Bissell Avenue
Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: (510) 231-1118
Fax: (510) 236-0662
Email: jespinoza2@wccusd.net

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Title IX Case Specialist

Christina Parra
Office: 1108 Bissell Avenue
Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: (510) 307-4538
Fax: (510) 236-0662
Email: christina.parra@wccusd.net

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Senior Administrative Assistant, Bilingual

Micheline Valencia
Office: 1108 Bissell Avenue
Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: (510) 307-7861
Fax: (510) 236-0662
Email: micheline.valencia@wccusd.net

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Non-Discrimination Policy Contacts

Title IX

Jose Espinoza
Director, Office of Educational Equity/Title IX Coordinator/Equity Compliance Officer
Office: 1108 Bissell Avenue
             Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: (510) 231-1118
Fax:      (510) 236-0662

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Title I, II, III, and IV

David Luongo
Director, Business Services, State & Federal Programs & Curriculum & Instruction
Office: 1400 Marina Way South  
Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: (510) 591-1891

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Section 504 (Student Services)

Christine Hatcher
Coordinator, Comprehensive Coordinated Early Intervening Services Plan (CCEIS)
Office: 3000 Parker Road
Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: (510) 389-4568, ext. 74671

Visit the immigration support & resources page for a full list of information and support materials. 

Land Acknowledgment

At West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD), we offer a land acknowledgment to honor and recognize the Indigenous peoples who have cared for this land for thousands of years. This acknowledgment serves to:

• Respect and honor Indigenous communities: We recognize their enduring connection to the land and their vital contributions to the cultural and historical fabric of our region.
• Raise awareness and foster education: By acknowledging the land’s history, we aim to educate our students, staff, and community about the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples.
• Acknowledge the impacts of colonization: We recognize the painful history of displacement and colonization that Indigenous peoples have faced, and through this acknowledgment, we strive to contribute to a more inclusive, respectful, and equitable learning environment.
• Commit to building relationships: Our land acknowledgment is also a step toward developing stronger, ongoing relationships with Indigenous communities, supporting their rights, culture, and well-being.

By recognizing the land and its history, WCCUSD is committed to fostering a learning environment where all cultures are valued and respected.

Why do we recognize the land?

To recognize the land is to express gratitude and respect for those upon whose territory we live and work. It acknowledges not only the land but more importantly the original peoples. It reminds us of the history of how we came to reside on the land and of the ongoing process of settler-colonialism that shapes our relationship with the land even today. This in turn helps to create public awareness and inspire future action in support of Indigenous communities.

Equity Compliance & Educational Equity at WCCUSD

West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) is committed to promoting educational equity by ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed academically. The district’s equity compliance efforts focus on addressing disparities related to race, gender, socioeconomic status, disability, and other factors that may impact student outcomes.

Key Components of WCCUSD’s Equity Efforts:

• Educational Equity: WCCUSD strives to eliminate barriers to achievement by providing tailored support for students from historically underserved communities. This includes ensuring equitable access to high-quality teachers, academic programs, and extracurricular opportunities.
• Title IX Compliance: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs and activities. WCCUSD adheres to Title IX by addressing and preventing gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, and ensuring equal opportunities in athletics and other school programs for all students, regardless of gender.
• Anti-Discrimination Policies: The district enforces policies to prevent discrimination and harassment based on race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. WCCUSD provides training, resources, and complaint mechanisms to ensure compliance with these policies.

WCCUSD’s focus on equity compliance is intended to foster an inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive and succeed, free from discrimination or bias.

Division Head

Dr. Camille Johnson, Associate Superintendent of Human Resources

Director, Office of Educational Equity/Title IX Coordinator

Jose Espinoza
Office: 1108 Bissell Avenue
Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: (510) 231-1118
Fax: (510) 236-0662
Email: jespinoza2@wccusd.net

Title IX Case Specialist

Christina Parra
Office: 1108 Bissell Avenue
Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: (510) 307-4538
Fax: (510) 236-0662
Email: christina.parra@wccusd.net

Senior Administrative Assistant, Bilingual

Micheline Valencia
Office: 1108 Bissell Avenue
Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: (510) 307-7861
Fax: (510) 236-0662
Email: micheline.valencia@wccusd.net

Non-Discrimination Policy Contacts

WCCUSD Nondiscrimination Policies and Procedures

Non-Discrimination Policy: View the Announcement of Non-Discrimination/Harassment

The West Contra Costa Unified School District prohibits discrimination, intimidation, harassment (including sexual harassment), or bullying based on a person’s actual or perceived ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, immigration status, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

For questions or complaints, contact Equity Compliance Officer/Title IX Coordinator: Jose Espinoza, 1108 Bissell Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801, (510) 231-1118, jespinoza2@wccusd.net, and Section 504: Christine Hatcher, Coordinator, Comprehensive Coordinated Early Intervening Services Plan (CCEIS), 3000 Parker Road, Richmond, CA 94806, (510) 307-4671, christine.hatcher@wccusd.net. 

Politica de No Discriminación: Anuncio de No Discriminación/Acoso

El Distrito Escolar Unificado de West Contra Costa prohíbe la discriminación, la intimidación, el acoso (incluyendo el acoso sexual) o la intimidación en base a las características reales o percibidas de descendencia, color, discapacidad, género, identificación con un género determinado, expresión de pertenencia a un género, estado migratorio, nacionalidad, raza u origen étnico, religión, edad, además de sexo, orientación sexual, o asociación con una persona o grupo de personas con una o más de estas características ya sean reales o percibidas.

Para preguntas o quejas, comuníquese con el personal de la Oficial de Cumplimiento de la Equidad/Coordinador del Título IX: Jose Espinoza, 1108 Bissell Avenida, Richmond, CA 94801, (510) 231-1118, jespinoza2@wccusd.net y Sección 504 Coordinadora: Christine Hatcher, Plan de Servicios Integrales de Intervención Temprana Coordinados (CCEIS), 3000 Parker Road, Richmond, CA 94806, (510) 307-4671, christine.hatcher@wccusd.net.

Definition of Discrimination

Discrimination in education refers to the unfair or prejudicial treatment of students based on characteristics such as race, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or other personal attributes. It occurs when students are denied equal opportunities to learn, participate, or succeed due to these factors.

Discrimination in education can manifest in various ways, such as:

1. Unequal Access: When certain groups of students are denied access to quality education, resources, or opportunities based on their background or identity.
2. Bias in Assessment: When students are graded, tested, or evaluated unfairly due to stereotypes or preconceived notions about their abilities.
3. Exclusion or Segregation: When students are segregated into different classes or excluded from activities based on characteristics unrelated to their academic performance or potential.
4. Harassment or Hostility: When students experience bullying, exclusion, or a hostile environment because of their race, gender, disability, or other personal attributes.

Such discrimination in education can limit students' potential, undermine their confidence, and perpetuate inequality, hindering their ability to fully participate and succeed in their educational journey.

Definition of HARASSMENT

Harassment refers to unwelcome or offensive behavior, actions, or comments directed at an individual or group that create a hostile, intimidating, or unpleasant environment. It can take many forms, including verbal, physical, emotional, or online abuse, and often involves repetitive conduct intended to humiliate, intimidate, or harm the target.

In the context of education, harassment typically involves behavior that:

1. Targets an individual or group: Based on characteristics like race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or other protected attributes.
2. Creates a hostile environment: Making it difficult for the targeted individual to feel safe, respected, or able to focus on their studies.
3. Involves unwanted behavior: Such as insults, threats, bullying, derogatory comments, or physical intimidation that the victim does not welcome or encourage.

Harassment can significantly impact a person's well-being, academic performance, and emotional health, and is often addressed through policies, procedures, and laws designed to protect individuals from such treatment.

Definition of  Intimidation

Intimidation refers to the act of making someone feel afraid, threatened, or coerced through words, actions, or behavior. It often involves the use of power, authority, or aggressive tactics to manipulate or control another person by instilling fear or anxiety. The goal of intimidation is typically to force the target into compliance, silence, or submission.

In the context of education, intimidation can manifest as:

1. Verbal threats or coercion: Using threatening language or gestures to scare or manipulate a student or staff member.
2. Physical threats: Demonstrating physical force or aggression to instill fear or dominate the target.
3. Psychological manipulation: Creating an atmosphere of fear or anxiety through bullying, harassment, or constant pressure, leading the target to feel unsafe or insecure.

Intimidation is harmful as it can erode confidence, hinder academic performance, and cause emotional distress for those involved. It is often considered a form of bullying and is prohibited in many educational settings.

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is defined as any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, and including one or more acts committed by a pupil or group of pupils directed toward one or more pupils that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of causing a reasonable pupil to experience a substantially detrimental effect on the pupil’s physical or mental health, academic performance, or ability to participate in school activities. Board Policy 5131.2

Non-discrimination / Harassment / Intimidation / Bullying Policy

• Board Policy 5145.3 - Nondiscrimination, Harassment, Intimidation, & Bullying
• Board Policy 5145.3 - Nondiscrimination, Harassment, Intimidation, & Bullying (Spanish)
• Administrative Regulation 5145.3 - Nondiscrimination, Harassment, Intimidation, & Bullying
• Administrative Regulation 5145.3 - Nondiscrimination, Harassment, Intimidation, & Bullying (Spanish)

Definition of Sexual Harassment

California Education Code Section 212.5 defines sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, made by someone from or in the work or educational setting, under any of the following conditions:

1. Submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or a condition of an individual’s employment, academic status, or progress.
2. Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis of employment or academic decisions affecting the individual.
3. The conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual’s work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.
4. Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the educational institution.

California Education Code Section 230 defines harassment and other discrimination on the basis of sex include, but are not limited to, the following practices:

1. On the basis of sex, exclusion of a person or persons from participation in, denial of the benefits of, or subjection to harassment or other discrimination in, any academic, extracurricular, research, occupational training, or other program or activity.
2. On the basis of sex, provision of different amounts or types of student financial aid, limitation of eligibility for student financial aid, or the application of different criteria to applicants for student financial aid or for participation in the provision of student financial aid by others. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to prohibit an educational institution from administering, or assisting in the administration of, scholarships, fellowships, or other forms of student financial aid, established pursuant to domestic or foreign wills, bequests, trusts, or similar legal instruments or by acts of a foreign government, which require that awards be made to members of a particular sex; provided, that the overall effect of the award of these sex-restricted scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of student financial aid does not discriminate on the basis of sex.
3. On the basis of sex, exclusion from participation in, or denial of equivalent opportunity in, athletic programs. For purposes of this subdivision, “equivalent” means equal or equal in effect.
4. An educational institution may be found to have effectively accommodated the interests and abilities in athletics of both sexes within the meaning of Section 4922 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations as that section exists on January 1, 2003, using any one of the following tests:
   1. Whether interscholastic level participation opportunities for male and female pupils are provided in numbers substantially proportionate to their respective enrollments.
   2. Where the members of one sex have been and are underrepresented among interscholastic athletes, whether the school district can show a history and continuing practice of program expansion that is demonstrably responsive to the developing interest and abilities of the members of that sex.
   3. Where the members of one sex are underrepresented among interscholastic athletes, and the institution cannot show a history and continuing practice of program expansion as required in paragraph (2), whether the school district can demonstrate that the interest and abilities of the members of that sex have been fully and effectively accommodated by the present program.
5. If an educational institution must cut its athletic budget, the educational institution shall do so consistently with its legal obligation to comply with both state and federal gender equity laws.
6. It is the intent of the Legislature that the three-part test articulated in subdivision (d) be interpreted as it has been in the policies and regulations of the Office of Civil Rights in effect on January 1, 2003.
7. On the basis of sex, harassment or other discrimination among persons, including, but not limited to, students and non-students, or academic and nonacademic personnel, in employment and the conditions thereof, except as it relates to a bona fide occupational qualification.
8. On the basis of sex, the application of any rule concerning the actual or potential parental, family, or marital status of a person, or the exclusion of any person from any program or activity or employment because of pregnancy or related conditions. 
   
    

   Sexual Harassment Board Policies and Administrative Regulations

• Board Policy 4119.11 - Sexual Harassment
• Board Policy 4119.11 Sexual Harassment (Spanish)
• Administrative Regulation 4119.11- Sexual Harassment
• Administrative Regulation 4119.11- Sexual Harassment (Spanish)
• Administrative Regulation 4119.12 - Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures
• Administrative Regulation 4119.12 - Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures (Spanish)
• Board Policy 5145.7 - Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment
• Board Policy 5145.7 - Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment (Spanish)
• Administrative Regulation 5145.7 - Sexual Harassment
• Administrative Regulation 5145.7- Sexual Harassment (Spanish)
• Administrative Regulation 5145.71 - Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures
• Administrative Regulation 5145.71 - Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures (Spanish) 
   

how to file a Title IX Complaint

Federal Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), implemented at 34 C.F.R. § 106.31, subd. (a), provides that no person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any academic, extracurricular, research, occupational training, or other education program or activity operated by a recipient which receives federal financial assistance. 

Sexual harassment under Title IX means conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:

1. An employee of the school district conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit or service of the school district on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct (quid pro quo);
2. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the recipient’s education program or activity; or
3. “Sexual assault” as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v), “dating violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(10), “domestic violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8), or “stalking” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(30).

Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is also the alleged victim) in one of the following ways: 

• In person, by mail, by telephone or by e-mail, using the contact information listed below for the District’s Title IX Coordinator;
• By any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person’s verbal, written report, or Title IX Complaint Form (English) (Spanish). 

Contact information for the District’s Title IX Coordinator is as follows: 

Jose Espinoza
Director, Office of Educational Equity | Title IX Coordinator | Equity Compliance Officer
WEST CONTRA COSTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
1108 Bissell Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: (510) 231-1118
Email: jespinoza2@wccusd.net 

For more information on filing and processing of Title IX complaints, please see the following:

For Complaints Concerning Student-Victims:  District Board Policy BP 5145.7 and Administrative Regulation AR 5145.7 – Sexual Harassment and AR 5145.71 – Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures. 

For Complaints Concerning Employee-Victims: BP 4119.11/AR 4119.11 – Sexual Harassment. 

NOTE: For student complaints:  See Uniform Complaint Procedures; For employee complaints:  See BP 4030/AR 4030- Nondiscrimination in Employment and BP 1312.1/AR 1312.1- Complaints Concerning District Personnel.

Overall Strategic Plan for Suicide Prevention Adults at school will learn about suicide, and how to help kids so kids have the help they need. The District will also speak with adults outside of school. If a K-6 student who has Medi-Cal benefits needs help, the District will work with the county to help the child. Science shows you can stop suicide if you talk about it.

WCCUSD Suicide Prevention Board Policy and Administrative Regulation

Below is the District's Suicide Prevention Board Policy for K-6 and 7-12 grade levels:  

• Board Policy 5141.52: Suicide Prevention (This Board Policy is age-appropriate for Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive) 
• Política de la Junta 5141.52: Prevención del Suicidio (Esta Política de la Junta es apropiada para la edad de jardín de infantes y grados 1 a 6, inclusive) 
• Administrative Regulation 5141.52: Suicide Prevention

 

wccusd contact:

Jose Espinoza
Director, Office of Educational Equity / Title IX Coordinator / Equity Compliance Officer

Title IX Compliance Office:
1108 Bissell Avenue
Richmond, CA 94801

Phone: (510) 231-1118
Email: jespinoza2@wccusd.net

Uniform Complaint Procedures

The Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) (Board Policy 1312.3 - Click to Download) are designed to address complaints related to violations of state and federal laws and regulations governing educational programs. The types of complaints that should be submitted using the UCP form include:

1. Unlawful Discrimination: Complaints related to discrimination based on any protected characteristic, such as:

   • Race
   • Ethnicity
   • Gender or gender identity
   • Sexual orientation
   • Disability
   • Religion
   • National origin
   • Age
   • Any other characteristic protected by law

   This includes allegations of unequal treatment, access to opportunities, or resources based on these protected characteristics.
    

2. Intimidation: Complaints involving acts of intimidation, where students feel threatened or coerced due to their identity or other protected characteristics.
    

3. Bullying: Complaints regarding bullying behaviors that are based on a student’s protected characteristic, such as race, disability, or gender. This includes physical or verbal harassment or cyberbullying.
    

4. Violations of Specific Federal and State Programs: Complaints related to violations of laws or regulations governing specific educational programs funded by federal or state categorical funds, such as:

   • Adult Education
   • Career Technical Education
   • Child Care and Development

   These programs are subject to compliance with various state and federal requirements, and complaints alleging violations within these areas can be filed under the UCP.
    

How To File A Complaint 

Step 1:

Complete the Uniform Complaint Forms
English   |   Spanish

Step 2:

Return the completed form to: 

Jose Espinoza
Director, Office of Educational Equity|Title IX Coordinator
West Contra Costa Unified School District
1108 Bissell Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: (510) 231-1118
Email: jespinoza2@wccusd.net 

More information about the UCP process is available from the California Department of Education https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cp/uc/.

To read the Privacy Policy, please click here. 

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Comisión de Igualdad de Oportunidades en el Empleo (EEOC) de EE. UU.

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The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces Federal laws that protect you from discrimination in employment. If you believe you’ve been discriminated against at work or in applying for a job, the EEOC may be able to help. 

EEOC "KNOW YOUR RIGHTS": DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE IS ILLEGAL

La Comisión Para la Igualdad de Oportunidades en el Empleo (EEOC, por sus siglas en inglés) de los EE. UU. hace cumplir las leyes federales que lo protegen contra la discriminación en el empleo. Si cree que ha sido discriminado(a) en el trabajo o al solicitar un trabajo, la EEOC puede ayudarle. 

EEOC "CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS: LA DISCRIMINACIÓN EN EL LUGAR DE TRABAJO ES ILEGAL (Spanish)

FILE A COMPLAINT

Complaints Concerning District Personnel (not alleging unlawful discrimination)

Complaints regarding school district employees may be communicated in writing by completing the Complaint Concerning District Personnel Form (English) (Spanish) and addressing it to: 

Dr. Sylvia Greenwood
Director of Human Resources, Certificated Personnel
WEST CONTRA COSTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 
1108 Bissell Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: (510) 231-1181
Email: SGreenwood@wccusd.net 

Denise Steen 
Interim Director of Human Resources, Classified Personnel 
WEST CONTRA COSTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 
1108 Bissell Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: (510) 307-4521
Email: DSteen@wccusd.net

Jose Espinoza
Director, Office of Educational Equity | Title IX Coordinator | Equity Compliance Officer
WEST CONTRA COSTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 
1108 Bissell Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801  
Phone: (510) 231-1118
Email: JEspinoza2@wccusd.net

Additional procedures for complaints concerning District employees that do not allege unlawful harassment are set forth in BP 1312.1 / AR 1312.1 - Complaints Concerning District Employees.

Unlawful Discrimination Complaints (Employees)

The Board prohibits district employees from discriminating against or harassing any other district employee or job applicants on the basis of the person's actual or perceived race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, or sexual orientation.

Complaints from District employees alleging unlawful discrimination may be communicated in writing and addressed to: 

Dr. Camille Johnson

Associate Superintendent of Human Resources &

Division Head
WEST CONTRA COSTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 
1108 Bissell Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801  
Phone: (510) 231-1185  

Email: Camille.Johnson@wccusd.net

Additional procedures for complaints concerning District employees that allege unlawful harassment are set forth in BP 4030/AR 4030- Nondiscrimination in Employment. 

How to File a Complaint

We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback, suggestions, or concerns with us. West Contra Costa Unified School District is committed to continuous improvement across all schools and departments.

To ensure your concern is addressed through the appropriate process, please visit our Report a Problem or Office of the Ombudsperson pages. These resources outline the different types of complaints, the relevant board policies, and provide step-by-step instructions—including contact information—for submitting your report or grievance.

Your voice helps us build a stronger, more responsive district.

The Office of the Ombudsperson

The Office of the Ombudsperson is responsible for the intake and monitoring of all formal district complaints. Formal complaints can now be filed in this office.

The Ombudsperson serves as an independent and confidential resource, assisting parents and community members in addressing complaints, conflicts, and other school-related issues. 

The purpose of the District Ombudsperson is to ensure the complaint process is followed and that all members of the West Contra Costa Unified School District receive fair and equitable treatment in matters of concern or complaint.

The District encourages the early, informal resolution of complaints at the site level whenever possible. If parents or guardians have a concern, they should first contact the principal at their child's school. Please see our Schools Directory for principal contact information for each school site.

If you have additional questions or are not satisfied with the resolution offered by your child's school principal, please contact the appropriate Executive Director or the Office of the Ombudsperson. 

• Independence;
• Neutrality/impartiality;
• Confidentiality; and
• Informality

Visit the Office of the Ombudsperson

Visit the the WeTip information page for information.