At SF State July 18

By Rachel Clark, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager, 10,000 Degrees

The 10,000 Degrees College Access Program presents The Summit, a FREE one-day, in-person summer event on Saturday, July 18 | 9:00 – 5:00 PM, where students will visit San Francisco State University.

Lunch and transportation will be provided for FREE.

Open to Juniors and Sophomores who attend a high school in the following counties: Contra Costa, Sonoma, Lake, Napa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara.

Students will: Dive into action-oriented college workshops. Get an insider’s look at SF State. Explore essential student resources at a resource fair. Connect with the 10,000 Degrees team and learn about our scholarship. Bonus: Win raffle prizes.

About 10,000 Degrees College Access Program

We are dedicated to helping high school students from low-income backgrounds get to college, whether you enroll at a four-year university or community college. Students at our partner schools can receive support from Fellows right on campus and attend financial aid and college readiness workshops and events all year.

Our College Access Program for high school students starts with The Summit, an incredible college immersion program held in the summer before your senior year. You can participate in our programming as early as the spring of your junior year by checking out our program application! From there, we provide informational, action-oriented workshops to help you explore your college options, apply for free financial aid and the 10,000 Degrees Scholarship, complete college application, and more. Throughout your senior year, we also offer comprehensive college support at our partner high school directly on campus. 

For more information visit https://10000degrees.org/students-alumni/high-school-students/#summit.

By Allen D. Payton

The 382 graduates of the Deer Valley High School Class of 2026 celebrated with their faculty, family and friends during the school’s 30th year, Saturday morning, June 6th.

The class entered Wolverines Stadium to the traditional sounds of Pomp and Circumstance by the Deer Valley High School Band, led by Music Director Ryan Carr. The Deer Valley Jr. ROTC Cadets, under the leadership of U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Ronnie McGee, provided the Presentation of Colors.

The National Anthem was then performed by the Divine Voices, led by Choral Director Alivia Logan and Salutatorian Natalie Hill then asked her classmates to be seated.

House 2 Vice Principal Mike Green, once again, served as Master of Ceremonies. He mentioned that Hill “will attend UCLA in the fall on a full-ride scholarship to study political science. She plans to participate in the ROTC and become a military officer upon graduation.”

Earlier this year, Hill received a $180,000 college scholarship from the U.S. Marine Corps.

Green mentioned the Antioch Unified School District officials in attendance for the ceremony. They included Trustees Antonio Hernandez, Mary Rocha, Dee Brown and Olga Cobos Smith who each later handed out the diplomas. Also, in attendance was Dr. Camille Johnson, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources.

Green then introduced Principal Robert Bowers who spoke to the graduates saying, “You’re a special class. Over the past four years you’ve accomplished amazing things. You’ve created memories that have built a culture that will be remembered long after today.”

“This year marks the 30th anniversary of DVHS,” he continued. “I’ve been incredibly impressed by your kindness, resilience. The world you are entering needs exactly what you have to offer. Believe in yourselves the way I believe in you. Dream big, work hard, take chances and make a difference. Go change the world.”

Trustee Hernandez then shared about his own experience growing up in Antioch, graduating from Dozier Libbey Medical High School, going on to college and now, in med school.

Green introduced Senior Class President Amanda Brown saying, “She will attend (Cal State) Fullerton in the fall and study early childhood development. She has also been awarded the City of Antioch’s 2025 Youth of the Year.”

She then spoke about her and her fellow graduates’ time in school and compared it to a garden of flowers referring to a poem she quoted.

“We used it to grow. Every challenge made us stronger, and every supporter gave us life,” she stated. “To our parents and teachers, thank you. Thank you for helping water our garden.”

To her classmates she concluded, “My encouragement to you is to keep building your garden.”

Green introduced Valedictorian Emma Canales saying, “She will attend U.C. Berkeley on a full-ride scholarship in the fall to study electrical and computer engineering.”

She offered thanks to her family, “who have pushed me past my limits. To everyone else, friends, teachers and mentors…who have encouraged me to become the person I am today.”

Canales then spoke of “The multiverse” and mentioned her own upbringing including the fact, “the doctor gave me to the wrong mother. My grandmother advocated for me.”

“Push back against every barrier,” she encouraged her fellow graduates. “As you move forward in your journey, take a moment to realize how much you’ve been given and you’ve given to others. I’m confident your resilience and passion you’ve demonstrated will become your best assets. Give yourself grace and humility.”

Associate Superintendent Johnson accepted “the Class of 2026 of Deer Valley High School. I certify that each of you have completed the graduation requirements of the Antioch Unified School District. Henceforth you are to be considered graduates and alumni of Deer Valley High School.”

The Divine Voices then performed, “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” and “Ad Astra” which was followed by the Reading of the Names of the graduates by DVHS Math Department Chair Maria McClain and Math Instructor Jessika Tate.

Class President Brown then led her classmates in the turning of their tassels to officially demonstrate they had graduated, as some tossed their caps in the air in celebration.

The graduates were then led off the field by Green and Bowers during the Recessional to the sounds of the DVHS Band.

Congratulations, Class of 2026 and God bless you in your future endeavors!

Watch the DVHS 2026 graduation video.

Smallest class size in years

By Allen D. Payton

During an evening Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026, the 330 members of the Antioch High School Class of 2026 celebrated with family and friends their four-year accomplishment inside the school’s Eells Stadium.

In the program Principal John Jimno wrote, “It is with great pride that I present to you the Class of 2026. The administration and staff of Antioch High School believe that these young people are well prepared to embark upon the next phase of their lives…what a journey they have ahead of them!

“I hope this occasion, shared with families and friends, will create fond memories to last for many years to come. This presentation is a well-documented rite of passage from childhood to adulthood and is very meaningful to the graduates and their families. This commencement ceremony exemplifies the high standards of Antioch High School and its students, staff and community. Congratulations, Class of 2026!”

Following their entrance to the traditional sounds of Pomp and Circumstance and the playing of the National Anthem, known as The Star-Spangled Banner, the classmates and all in attendance were welcomed by ASB President Kailani Torres.

Jimno introduced the dignitaries including four members of the Antioch Unified School District Board of Trustees, Vice President Olga Cobos Smith, Mary Rocha, Dee Brown and Antonio Hernandez, Superintendent Dr. Darnise Williams, Director of Educational Services Dr. Lindsay Lopez-Wisely and City Councilmembers Tamisha Torres-Walker and Louie Rocha, the past principal of Antioch High.

Jimno then introduced Salutatorian McKeyla Feliciano and Valedictorian Daniel Fung who addressed the graduates.

Feliciano spoke of perseverance and shared memories of her high school experience.

“I believe in you all,” she said. “We are young, we are foolish, we have dreams. Hashtag, keep going.”

Valedictorian Fung said, “Thank you for raising a real goat” meaning greatest of all time, to laughter from his classmates.

“I wanted high school to end before it even started. I wanted to stay at home all day and play video games. I was always dreaming about my future,” he continued. “The future is today for all of us. I was wrong. High school wasn’t so bad. Sometimes I wish it was a little bit longer.”

“I was always afraid of change. Now, I see it is beautiful,” Fung stated. “Thank you, high school for teaching me that.”

“It’s not about how you finish. It’s about how you navigate this world and make this life uniquely yours. Be ambitious. We are dreamers. So, let’s keep dreaming,” he concluded.

Jimno then spoke saying, “This class is special.” He then mentioned that he would be watching his “son Matthew graduate tonight.” To the graduates he said, “I’ve spent the last seven years watching you grow up from little kids to adults. Watching you showcase your talents has been amazing.”

“Carry yourself with confidence, continue to work hard and follow your passion,” Jimno concluded.

Trustee Mary Rocha representing the board spoke next. She mentioned Jimno’s son graduating and then said, “I have my granddaughter graduating, here. So, we’re a family. Today, my final family member will graduate, Miley Fernandez.”

Rocha spoke first in Spanish then in English.

“I want to acknowledge the great sacrifice of your parents and family in your academic achievement.
What an exciting time for all and fear for what the future holds,” she continued. “You’ve been given the tools. Congratulations Class of 2026.”

Before officially accepting the class, Dr. Williams said, “You all did it and you did it big. Always question the status quo. The world needs more people to step forward when others step back. The future is not something that happens to you, it is something you come to shape.”

She then accepted “the 2026 Class from Antioch High School…upon the recommendation of the faculty and Board of Trustees.”

The graduates’ names were then read, and their diplomas were presented to them by a few of their teachers, Sandy Bentancourt, Melissa Johnson, Jeff Meeks and Andre TimTim.

Closing Remarks were offered by Senior Class President Alanna-Joi Sheard who then then led her classmates in the turning of their tassels signifying they had officially graduated.

Many tossed their caps into the air before family and friends joined them on the field to celebrate.

See AHS 2026 graduation video (beginning at the 24:25 mark).

Congratulations, Antioch High Class of 2026! God bless you in your future endeavors.

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on April 14, 2026, the Antioch City Council honored both the Cornerstone Christian School Cougars boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams for their state championships this year. In addition, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, the Antioch Sports Legends hosted and honored the teams, in their wing inside the Antioch Historical Museum.

The undefeated boys’ team won the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Boys Division III State Championship defeating the Birmingham Patriots of Lake Balboa, CA, 74-64 at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on March 13th. They ended their season with a 29-8 overall record and 12-0 for first place in league. (See game video)

The boys’ basketball team was also the 2024 North Coast Section (NCS) and Norcal State Champions.

The undefeated, number one seeded girls’ team won the NorCal Girls Division VI Championship by dominating and defeating the number two seed Redding Christian Lions 48-27 inside the Cornerstone Christian gym on March 11th. They ended the season with a record of 27-7 and 10-0 for first place in league. (See game video)

The girls’ team was also the 2023 NCS and Norcal State Champions.

The City Council’s proclamation reads as follows:

RECOGNITION HONORING CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL’S

2026 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL TEAMS

APRIL 2026

WHEREAS, Cornerstone Christian Center and Cornerstone Christian School have long served as valued institutions in the Antioch community, fostering spiritual growth, community engagement,

and a commitment to developing young people of purpose, integrity, and service;

WHEREAS, Cornerstone Christian School has built a strong reputation for providing an education that supports the development of students academically, spiritually, and athletically, while

encouraging excellence, discipline, leadership, and character;

WHEREAS, throughout the 2025–2026 basketball season, both the Cornerstone Christian School Girls and Boys High School Basketball Teams demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication, representing their school and the City of Antioch with pride and distinction;

WHEREAS, the Cornerstone Christian School Girls Basketball Team achieved an exceptional milestone by winning the 2026 CIF State Division VI Championship, reflecting the team’s resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to excellence;

WHEREAS, the Cornerstone Christian School Boys Basketball Team achieved a historic accomplishment by securing the 2026 CIF State Championship, establishing a new legacy of excellence for the school and bringing great pride to the Antioch community;

WHEREAS, these accomplishments reflect not only the talent and hard work of the student-athletes, but also the invaluable leadership of coaches, the support of families, and the strength of the broader Cornerstone Christian School community; and

WHEREAS, the success of these teams has brought honor to the City of Antioch and serves as an inspiration to future generations to pursue excellence in athletics, academics, and character.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, hereby proclaim April 14, 2026, as a day of recognition honoring the Cornerstone Christian School, Girls and Boys Basketball Teams for their 2026 CIF State Championship victories, and extend sincere congratulations to the student-athletes, coaches, school leadership, families, and the entire Cornerstone Christian School community.

APRIL 14, 2026

RON BERNAL, Mayor

(See council meeting video beginning at the 25:08 mark)

Antioch Sports Legends Also Honor Teams

According to a May 29th post on their Facebook page, the “Antioch Sports Legends had the honor of welcoming the Cornerstone Christian High School varsity basketball teams to the museum to celebrate an incredible season!

“The students-athletes had the opportunity to explore the Sports Legends Hall of Fame—many for the very first time.

“We proudly recognized two outstanding teams:

CIF Boys Division III State Champions the Cornerstone Christian HS Boys Team

NorCal Girls Division VI Champions the Cornerstone Christian HS Girls Team

“A special thank you to Gary Bras and Kris Del Monte for organizing this memorable event, and to Sports Legends co-founders Tom Menasco and Eddie Beaudin for presenting awards to these talented student-athletes.

“Congratulations to Cornerstone Christian High School on a remarkable year—we are proud to celebrate your success and dedication both on and off the court.”

Both teams were presented with plaques bearing the Antioch Sports Legends logo recognizing their accomplishments.

The Antioch Sports Legends is located inside the Antioch Historical Museum at 1500 W. 4th Street. For more information visit www.antiochsportslegends.com.

About Cornerstone Christian High School

Cornerstone Christian School provides a well-rounded academic, extra-curricular, and spiritual experience. The foundational purpose of our facilities, programs, curriculum choices, and most of all our dedicated teachers and staff is to inspire your child in the joy of learning and a love for God and His Son Jesus. We want to partner with you, the parent, to bring about the best in your child. The school is located at 1745 E. 18th Street in Antioch. For more information visit www.cornerstonechristianschool.net.

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch’s Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Class of 2026 celebrated their graduation Wednesday evening, June 3, 2026. The 150 graduates were cheered by family and friends inside the Deer Valley High Wolverines Stadium.

Following the Presentation of the Colors by the U.S. Navy, the National Anthem was performed by Daniela Edeh and Rachelle Leon. The Pledge of Allegiance was then led by ASB President Bethany Fumar.

Principal Blair Wilkins welcomed everyone and introduced the distinguished guests which included four Antioch Unified School Board Trustees, Antonio Hernandez, Mary Rocha, Olga Cobo Smith and Dee Brown, Superintendent Dr. Darnise Williams and Dr. Camille Johnson, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources.

Area 1 Trustee Hernandez, a member of the first DLMHS graduating class, offered opening remarks to the graduates. “It’s always great to be back with the amazing students of Dozier-Libbey Medical High School.” Speaking of his own college education experience he encouraged the Class, “You can always find new ways to reopen doors that people tell you are closed.”

The Student Commencement Speakers were Senior Class President Daniela Edeh, who spoke about change and Valedictorian Natalia Cortez, who encouraged her classmates by saying, “The greater the struggle, the greater the triumph.”

The class Salutatorian was Jose Perez, who did not speak during the ceremony.

Before Wilkins presented the Class of 2026 to Superintendent Williams he said, “You are prepared to face all of life’s adversities because you attended and successfully completed Dozier-Libbey Medical High School’s graduation requirements.”

Williams then said, “I certify that each of you has completed the graduation requirements set forth by the Antioch Unified School District. I proudly confer upon each of you the high school diploma with all its rights, honors and responsibilities. Henceforth, you are to be considered high school graduates and alumni of Dozier-Libbey Medical High School. Congratulations.”

Kevin Landski, a teacher at the school, then announced the graduates’ names as they received their diplomas and took photos with the trustees.

Wilkins then certified the graduating class saying, “I certify Dozier-Libbey Medical High School’s Class of 2026” to loud applause from the graduates and audience.

Class President Edeh then led her classmates in the turning of their tassels completing the ceremonies. “Congratulations. We are now graduates,” she said, as several of them tossed their caps into the air in celebration.

Wilkins and Landski then led the graduates off the field to meet their families and friends for further celebration.

Congratulations, Dozier-Libbey Class of 2026. God bless you in your future endeavors!

See the Dozier-Libbey 2026 graduation video by DVTV.

Brentwood Union School District Superintendent will apply his student-centered approach countywide

“We have a moral responsibility to make sure our children’s education is better than the one that we received,” – Dr. Dana Eaton

By Lisa Tucker

BRENTWOOD – In January, Dana Eaton launched his candidacy for Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools. This is an open seat. 

“Students and learning are at the center of my work as superintendent of schools for the Brentwood Union School District and in my previous roles as a teacher and principal,” said Eaton.  “I have consistently championed early literacy, student mental health, supporting the whole child, and school safety as foundational priorities, and will continue to do so as Contra Costa Superintendent of Schools.” 

Dr. Eaton is serving his 13th year as superintendent of schools for the Brentwood Union School District and his 17th year as a superintendent overall.  According to his LinkedIn profile, he previously worked as Superintendent for the Jefferson School District in Tracy from 2009 to 2013. Eaton has a nearly 30-year career in education including as a teacher and principal.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies from San Francisco State University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary’s College of California and a Doctor of Education – EdD degree in Educational Leadership from the University of La Verne.

Eaton currently serves on the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team State Governing Board, the state’s school finance oversight organization; the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence Superintendent Advisory Panel, the state’s support provider to school districts in need of academic assistance; and, is state president of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Superintendency Council, where he advocates on behalf of students, teachers, and educational leaders at the state and federal level.

“This experience has prepared me to help districts maintain sound fiscal practices and improve their Local Contral and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) to provide outstanding educational opportunities to every student,” said Eaton.

Current Contra Costa Superintendent of Schools, Lynn Mackey, is retiring and will not run for re-election. She has endorsed Eaton, stating “Dana is a highly experienced, well-respected superintendent here in Contra Costa County.  He is deeply committed to public education, understands the role of the County Office, and brings steady, student-centered leadership.”

During a campaign fundraiser on April 7th, the candidate said, “I really believe in the power of public education. At the same time, I think we’re in a time when we are at risk for our children and our children’s children having an inferior education. I think that as adults who have benefited from a public education that we have a moral responsibility to make sure our children’s education is better than the one that we received. And that’s why I’m running for County Superintendent of Schools.”

In recognition of Eaton’s leadership, he was named ACSA Superintendent of the Year for Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in both 2016 and 2023.  He was also named Brentwood Citizen of the Year in 2019 by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce.

“As Superintendent, I will work to attract and support high-quality teachers and prioritize student success and learning whether in general education, special education, or alternative settings,” said Eaton.

Eaton comes from a long line of educators. His grandparents, mother, sister and wife all served their communities as teachers. Eaton lives in Brentwood with his family. 

The primary election is in June in which he faces one opponent. Whoever receives a majority of the vote wins and will begin their term in December.

For more information about Dr. Eaton and his campaign visit www.eatonforschools.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Mike Arata

On June 2, Contra Costa County voters will decide whether to saddle themselves — and their children — with the largest bond debt in the history of the Contra Costa Community College District (4CD). Measure G asks for $920 million in new borrowing. With interest, the true cost climbs to $1.88 billion, with final payoff projected in 2059. CoCoTax has opposed this measure in official ballot arguments, in public presentations, and in a detailed response to a recent article in the Contra Costa College Advocate.

The case against Measure G is straightforward: it is far too much money, sought too soon given outstanding bond debt, by a district that hasn’t demonstrated the fiscal discipline to deserve it.

Already Drowning in Debt

4CD still owes on three bond measures as is:   2002’s Measure A ($120 million), 2006’s second Measure A, ($286.5 million), and 2014’s  Measure E ($450 million) —  totaling $856.5 million in principal alone. County taxpayers still owe nearly $727 million on those existing obligations, with the final payment on Measure E not expected until 2039. Measure G would pile $1.88 billion more on top of all that. If it passes, total bonded indebtedness reaches $2.61 billion, secured by Contra Costa County property values — with no senior exemption.

Enrollment Is Down 28% — Yet They Want to Build More

4CD advertises “nearly 50,000 students,” but that figure is misleading. California’s actual funding metric is Full-Time Equivalent Students (FTES). According to the State Chancellor’s October 2025 FTES Report, 4CD’s count was just 21,940 — down 28% from 30,648 when Measure A passed in 2002. Expanding costly new facilities while enrollment trends sharply downward is the opposite of responsible stewardship.

“Deferred Maintenance” — Deferred Forever?

Roofing repairs, seismic retrofits, HVAC upgrades, and electrical work appear repeatedly in 4CD bond project lists going back to 2002. How many bond measures must pass before these basics get done? There’s a core problem: 4CD’s maintenance budget has crept from just 0.10% to 0.20% of Plant Replacement Value over the past decade, when the commercial building standard is 2–5%. Routine maintenance gets deferred so the general fund can support other priorities — including lavish administrative compensation — and then bond money pays for the fixes, with interest on top.

Executive Pay That Outstrips the Governor’s

While seeking $920 million in new principal from taxpayers, 4CD’s Chancellor drew a $404,238 salary (as of 2024) — plus $130,674 in benefits, for total compensation reaching $548,112. That salary alone exceeds the official pay of the President of the United States and far surpasses Governor Newsom’s $245,929.  Vice Chancellors, College Presidents, and Directors also earn hundreds of thousands in total compensation. Lavish pay and lean maintenance are two sides of the same General Fund coin.

Who’s Funding “Yes on G”?

The pro-Measure G campaign has raised nearly $400,000 so far — with the bulk coming from the tax-exempt Contra Costa College Foundation ($100,000), the DVC Foundation ($50,000), and multiple construction unions (IBEW Local 302, Plumbers Local 159, Sheet Metal Workers Local 104, and others). Contractor unions have a direct financial interest in a $920 million construction program. Ordinary property-tax-paying residents have no equivalent organized voice — a textbook example of what economists call “Public Choice Theory.”

The Bottom Line

Property owners already pay an average of $13.97 per $100,000 of assessed value toward 4CD’s existing bonds. Measure G adds another $10 — and that rate could rise if the county’s assessed values don’t grow at the 4% annual pace 4CD projects, projections that, by 4CD’s own admission, “are not binding upon 4CD.”

4CD should maintain its existing buildings with its existing budget rather than repeatedly turning to taxpayers for borrowed billions. Vote NO on Measure G.

More information: NOonMeasureG.info

Arata is an Executive Committee member of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association

Upcoming Events

CoCoTax Lunch, June 26: Former State Senator Steve Glazer Discusses BART Accountability
Friday, June 26, 2026 | 11:45am – 1:15pm PDT

CoCoTax Lunch, July 24: County Budget Overview with County Administrator Monica Nino
Friday, July 24, 2026 | 11:45am – 1:15pm PDT

For more information about the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association visit cocotax.org.

Provide salary information for senior management

Dear Antioch Unified School District Board Members,

Given the severity of the district’s deficit, the community deserves to understand why the Board continues to authorize expensive contractors to perform work that qualified district staff are fully capable of handling. In education, sustainable improvement comes from setting clear expectations, providing support, and building internal capacity. Antioch is a resilient community filled with talented professionals. Our people deserve the opportunity and the trust to meet the standard.

It is also important to acknowledge that many of these same consultants were used in Pacifica and Sequoia, districts where the Superintendent departed in under two years amid controversy. Why would the Board select a leader without a demonstrated record of long-term, successful superintendent leadership.

Board President Dr. Jag Lathan, you are currently running for County Superintendent. If effective oversight and leadership cannot be demonstrated in a mid‑sized district like Antioch, how will you lead an entire county. Voters are watching and waiting for you to do what is right.

The district’s increasing reliance on high‑cost consultants is fiscally irresponsible and deeply concerning especially during a financial crisis. This year alone, consultant contracts are projected to exceed half a million dollars, including external providers for executive coaching, financial consulting, data analysis, and organizational climate assessments. Only a small portion of these contracts appear justified given staffing shortages. The rest raise serious questions about duplication of services, transparency, and fiscal priorities. The district already employs dedicated, effective leaders who have invested their careers and their hearts into serving Antioch’s students. Overlooking this internal capacity wastes resources and damages morale. Replacing qualified internal leaders with consultants occupying long‑term roles is unjust, irresponsible, and demoralizing. At what point will the Board accept accountability for these decisions?

There has also been a mass exodus of leadership and long‑term teachers. This exodus is directly tied to the current district leadership. Why is the Board not interviewing these long-standing, highly respected employees to understand why they are leaving AUSD?

Attorney fees have been repeatedly discussed at board meetings and often dismissed by comparing them to previous years. But this year, the number of law firms brought in under Dr. Williams has significantly increased legal costs. If the highly publicized employee bullying lawsuit from last year were removed from the comparison, would last year’s attorney fees still exceed the current year’s. That is a question the community deserves answered.

According to individuals familiar with the superintendent hiring process, community panelists were puzzled by the Board’s decision. Several candidates reportedly ranked higher among parents, staff, and students including two Latino leaders who panelists felt could more closely relate to and serve the district’s student population. Insiders state that Dr. Williams ranked last among five finalists in some community feedback summaries. Despite these concerns, Dr. Williams assumed leadership of AUSD in July 2025.

It is public knowledge that entering the 2025–26 school year, AUSD faced an approximate $12 million deficit. The CBO in place at the time who had full knowledge of the deficit and a fiscally sound plan to address it without harming student services or requiring staff layoffs was placed on leave almost immediately by Dr. Williams. It has been stated repeatedly at board meetings that the approved raises and continued 100% district‑paid health benefits did not contribute to the now $31 million deficit. That is not accurate. The increased deficit is directly tied to the raises and benefits negotiated by Dr. Williams and her attorney.

Another contributing factor is the Superintendent’s newly created salary schedule. Historically, AUSD superintendents were placed on salary schedule 734 with a 260-day work year. Dr. Williams negotiated a new 737 range with a 225-day work year 35 fewer days than her senior management team. The previous superintendent, at year six, earned $358,340 annually ($1,378 per day). Dr. Williams began at $361,165 annually ($1,605 per day) and will top out at $1,728 per day.

Despite this significantly higher, per‑day rate, district staff report that Dr. Williams is rarely present in the district office, and when she does arrive, it is often afternoon. She is not beginning her day at school sites, and her whereabouts during the workday are frequently unaccounted for. Given these concerns, why was an entirely new salary schedule created without any data demonstrating long‑term success, improved student outcomes, or consistent leadership presence. Her history shows the opposite, with districts left in turmoil.

At what point will the Board seek honest insight from current and former employees rather than relying on soundbites and publicity efforts. The community is asking for transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of AUSD funds. Every dollar spent should reflect a commitment to students, staff, and the long‑term stability of this district—not to unnecessary contracts, unchecked legal fees, or inflated administrative compensation.

Respectfully,

Amy Bettencourt, former Director of Educational Services, Antioch Unified School District and Concerned Staff, Parents and Citizens

In a note included with the emailed letter to the editor Bettencourt wrote, “I know I left Antioch USD at the end of February due to the toxicity and storm the new superintendent brought to the district, but I continue to hear from a large group of employees who are desperately trying to elevate their concerns publicly.”