Do you want to speak up during a public meeting but are unsure how? You’re worried about something going on in your neighborhood, but you’re not sure who to ask? This guide was produced by The Advocate to help Contra Costa Community College students navigate and engage with their local government.

Contra Costa Community College District (4CD)

The Contra Costa College Community District (4CD) encompasses three community colleges: Contra Costa College (San Pablo), Diablo Valley College (Pleasant Hill & San Ramon), and Los Medanos College (Pittsburg and Brentwood). 

The district serves nearly the full land area of Contra Costa County, headquartered in 500 Court Street, Martinez CA, 94553. l

The district is governed by a board of five trustees, all representing geographic wards that are within the county. Each trustee serves 4-years staggered terms. In addition, there is a Student Trustee who serves a 1-year term and is elected rationally among the 3 colleges in the district. 

Contra Costa College is within Ward 1 boundaries, which is represented by Trustee John E. Marquez. See below for contact information for all of the 4CD Board members.

The board meets every second Wednesday of each month, with closed session starting at 5:00 pm PST, and regular session beginning at 6:00 pm PST. The board sets important policies such as district mission, strategic direction, budget, and overall operations. 

The board also appoints the chancellor for the district. Most recently, Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh was selected as the permanent chancellor in November 2023. Each college also has their own president, where they work with the chancellor in regards to operational decisions such as day-to-day functions and services. These decisions are delegated by the board to the Chancellor, and through the Chancellor to the College Presidents.

For more information in regards to the 4CD Governance board and Contra Costa College, you can click on the names that have an attached link directing you to more information. 

How you can engage

Students can engage with the governing board, as the district adheres to the concept of participatory governance which is mandated by California’s Assembly Bill 1725, which ensures that faculty, staff, and students have the right to effectively participate in district and college governance. 

At the college level, there is an Academic Senate in each individual college for faculty that works on academic and professional matters in conjunction with the district. 

Administrative procedure 1009.01 outlines the participatory governance for the district, which reflects that authority derives not only from board and staff, but also from the knowledge of faculty, staff, and students.

Students can also engage via:

1. Public meeting comment periods at the board meetings
2. Being part of participatory governance committee or student government
3. Through the student trustee role
4. Providing input during strategic planning process

Why it is important

It is important as a student that you are not only informed about the impact of all governance decision making, but that you have a space to take part in governance, on all possible levels. 

Understanding who makes all the decisions, from the 4CD governance board, chancellor, and college presidents, to your college’s student governance and academic senate; understanding all of this helps you identify where to direct proposals, ask questions, and ultimately express your voice.