California Court of Appeal Rules for Students in Williams Enforcement Case 

Munger, Tolles & Olson, alongside civil rights law firm Public Advocates, secured a significant victory in the California Court of Appeal in Cleare v. West Contra Costa Unified School District, a case enforcing the state’s longstanding requirement that every classroom be staffed by a qualified, year-long teacher.  

The case arises under Williams v. California, a landmark settlement establishing students’ right to basic educational necessities, including qualified teachers, adequate instructional materials and safe school facilities. The First District Court of Appeal reversed a 2024 trial court decision, holding that West Contra Costa Unified School District must show that it has exhausted all available options to fill persistent teacher vacancies. The court rejected the district’s argument that a statewide teacher shortage rendered compliance “impossible,” making clear that school districts must take all reasonable steps to meet their legal obligations before claiming they cannot do so. 

The case, filed in July 2024, was brought on behalf of six educators, parents and staff at Stege Elementary, Helms Middle School and John F. Kennedy High School. Plaintiffs alleged that students at these schools – who are disproportionately Black, Latinx and from lower wealth families – had endured years of instruction by rotating, uncertified substitutes, while the district left credentialed teachers in non-classroom roles and failed to pursue available credentialing alternatives. 

In its opinion, the Court of Appeal emphasized the central role of qualified teachers in public education and reaffirmed that the state’s Williams requirements remain fully enforceable. The decision marks the first appellate ruling addressing enforcement of the Williams settlement and carries statewide implications for school districts facing teacher shortages. 

“We are privileged to work alongside Public Advocates in achieving this consequential victory,” said MTO Partner Dane Shikman. “Every child, no matter their background or ZIP code, deserves great teachers – and we are thrilled to help make that happen for more kids across California.” 

Plaintiffs were represented by Rohit Singla, Dane Shikman, Laura Perry Stone and Kyra Schoonover, alongside co-counsel from Public Advocates. 

The case garnered media coverage in The Washington Post, SFGate and other publications. 

Read the press release from Public Advocates.