West Contra Costa Unified School District

The California Education Code does not specify the type of supplies schools should maintain for emergencies. Response to Finding #1: The District agrees with the finding. The CDE does not specify on their website nor do they have a recommended list available for school districts.

Each Contra Costa County school district determines its own emergency preparedness plans (based on California State Education Department guidelines), including the amount and type of emergency supplies to maintain at its schools. Contra Costa Grand Jury September 9, 2020 – Response to Finding #2: The District agrees with the finding. This response is based on inquiries of other Contra Costa County school districts and the fact that the District uses its own procurement system to determine emergency supplies inventory.

The Contra Costa County Office of Education posts on its website a recommended list (minimum standard list) of emergency supplies for school districts. Response to Finding #3: The District agrees with the finding. The recommended list is available from the County website.

Some Contra Costa County school districts did not demonstrate that they maintain supplies in conformity with the Contra Costa County Office of Education minimum standard list. Response to Finding #4: The District partially disagrees with the finding. While it has not verified whether other school districts maintain supplies in conformity with the County Office of Education’s minimum standard list, this District does confirm with the recommendations.

Some Contra Costa County school districts fund purchasing and replenishment of emergency supplies through their annual budgets, but most school districts in Contra Costa County fund them through parent or community donations. Response to Finding #5: The District agrees with the finding. The District funds the minimal standard for emergency supplies through the annual budget but does allow elementary schools to fund additional supplies using PTA funds.

Contra Costa County school districts can apply for federal, state, corporate or non-profit organization grants to help pay the cost of acquiring and maintaining school emergency supplies. Response to Finding #6: The District agrees with the finding. The District has previously applied for two grants related to safety equipment but did not receive an award. Contra Costa Grand Jury September 9, 2020 –

Each Contra Costa County school district has either a designated safety/ resource officer or a school administrator who fills the safety/ resource officer role. Response to Finding #7: The District partially disagrees with the finding. The District has not verified the existence of an assigned safety/resource officer or school administrator being assigned to this role in every school district. The WCCUSD has Campus Safety Officers assigned to the secondary schools and elementary schools have administrators to assist with safety/resource issues on those campuses. The District does not have School Resource Officers provided by the local police departments.

There is no legal requirement that teachers renew CPR and First Aid certification training after teachers initially obtain their teaching credential. Response to Finding #8: The District agrees with the finding. Currently there is no legal requirement mandating that teachers renew CPR & First Aid training after being hired. The District does, however, provide online training for employees if needed.