West Contra Costa Unified school board votes to lay off up to 300 workers in June

Facing a deficit of $47.8 million over the next two years, the West Contra Costa Unified school board on Wednesday voted 4-1 to eliminate 300 positions next year to save $22 million. But it hopes to rescind many of the layoffs in May if it is able to reach an agreement with unions for alternative cost-saving measures.

These positions include about 230 teachers, who are expected to receive layoff notices next week. The district — which includes Richmond and surrounding communities — is negotiating with unions to come up with other ways to reduce expenditures, such as increasing class sizes for one year and eliminating some teacher stipends for extra work or special qualifications.