Schools
Who's Who: Cheryl Cotton, Madera Principal
Every weekday we feature an interview with someone who lives or works in El Cerrito.
Name: Cheryl Cotton
Age: “late 30’s”
Occupation: Principal at
Are you a By Area native? Yes. I grew up in Richmond and attended schools in San Pablo and El Cerrito – and .
How did you get involved with the school district and become the principal of Madera? I was drawn to school reform work upon leaving the classroom and worked for a year with the Bay Area Coalition of Equitable Schools – currently the National Equity Project – as a school coach and project coordinator. I then became a principal in the San Francisco Unified School District. I came to the West Contra Costa County school district in 2004. I served as principal at Valley View for six years prior to being assigned to Madera.
What is a typical day in the life for you like? Busy!
What are some obstacles you face as a principal in the West Contra Costa County school district? Is there anything you'd like to see change or improve? We recently attended budget meetings that were facilitated by our superintendent and fiscal assistant superintendent. Like schools throughout the state, our district is in the midst of a budget crisis. Governor Brown will be proposing a tax in June that may help us maintain critical programs, including maintaining lower class sizes in primary grades. I hope school communities will consider supporting this upcoming initiative to help fund our schools.
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What do you enjoy about working with the elementary school children and parents? I enjoy having the opportunity to serve children and their families. Elementary schools provide instruction in essential foundational skills, both academic and social. At Madera, our students are eager learners. Madera parents are very supportive with time, energy, creativity and donations that directly impact the children.
What do you think about El Cerrito? El Cerrito is a diverse community that maintains a small-town feel in the middle of the Bay Area. There is a strong connection between schools and the city of El Cerrito. I am most impressed by the way the El Cerrito community embraces each school – from elementary to middle and high.
