From environmental hazard to ‘an act of justice,’ this East Bay school is beginning to rebuild

RICHMOND — West Contra Costa Unified School District has officially begun rebuilding Stege Elementary School, a campus previously in “deplorable” conditions that predominantly educated Black and Latino students for generations.

Dozens of students, parents, school employees, community members and elected leaders gathered in a dirt lot at 4949 Cypress Ave. on Jan. 22 to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new campus. The bell welcoming students back to the facility is expected to ring by fall 2027.