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  • Standing Together in Uncertain Times and Our Commitm...

    Sent on behalf of Vallejo City Unified School District Superintendent Rubén Aurelio.  Dear Families, Teachers, Leaders, and Friends of VCUSD, The last few weeks have brought tremendous uncertainty to public education and our community—our neighbors, students, and ourselves. Frankly, we’re facing more questions than answers. In light of our worries and pain, I’ve been asking: What do we know, what can we do, and who must we be? Here’s what we know: some students, families, staff, and community members feel afraid and at risk right now. They worry about immigration status, gender identity, job security, access to supportive services, or personal health. Some students wonder if a parent will be there to pick them up, parents stress over paying rent, and teachers question what they can and cannot teach. These are not unfounded fears, and we need to acknowledge them. It’s also essential to state, as clearly and firmly as possible, that we will not allow fear to stop us from being the district we are. I have spent significant time considering what we can do now. First and foremost, we must not impose limitations or restrictions that don’t exist. I regularly communicate with our legal counsel to ensure that everything we do meets legal requirements. Where we need clarity, we will seek it. Where we must make changes, we will make them—but we will not compromise our commitment to our mission. Second, it’s vital to remember that we’re not alone. I am working closely with the county superintendent’s office, talking with other superintendents, and seeking additional resources, information, and guidance from the state education department. Third, we can provide valuable resources and information for our families. Our communications department created a new webpage that offers updates and resources , including multilingual “Know Your Rights” cards. We regularly update our website and plan to include more resources for our communities. We are also training our frontline employees, teachers, and administrators on responding if an ICE agent arrives at a school site. In addition, we are collaborating with community organizations to identify the best ways to support our families. We understand that education involves everyone, so we remain committed to outreach and collaboration. Above all, I am committed to taking whatever steps are necessary to protect our students’ rights to education and futures.  This brings me to my third question: who must we be to meet this moment? Let me state that VCUSD believes diversity strengthens our schools, our city, and our society. The fundamental purpose of public education is to build a more equitable world where everyone can thrive. Students learn, and teachers and staff do their best work when free to be their authentic selves at our schools. We all want to feel seen, included, and know we belong. None of these statements are political, nor should they be controversial. Labor rights leader Larry Dulay Itilong once said, “The Constitution said that everybody has equal rights and justice. You have to make that come about. They are not going to give it to you.” We must take this to heart and work together to ensure everyone can access education and justice. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent Vallejo City Unified School District

    Tuesday, Feb 25 2025

  • VCUSD Approves School Closures, Consolidations, and ...

    Dear Vallejo City Unified School District Families, As VCUSD Board of Education President John Fox shared with you last night, the board voted to approve the closure of Mare Island Health and Fitness Academy and Loma Vista Environmental Science Academy and to relocate Vallejo Charter School to the Mare Island campus for the 2025-26 school year. Additionally, the Board approved $12.8 million in budget reductions, including staff and contracted services, to ensure the district’s long-term financial sustainability. These decisions were made after carefully considering enrollment trends, financial realities, and the need to provide high-quality educational opportunities for all students.  As shared, the decision to consolidate and close certain school sites was not made lightly. This process is guided by our goals for the closure and consolidation process: improving academic programs, ensuring financial stability, and optimizing our school spaces for the benefit of all students. While change can be challenging, we prioritize providing your child with the best educational experience. We understand that the announcement regarding school closures will raise many questions and concerns. We assure you that we will support you and your children throughout this transition. What’s Next? Families directly impacted by closures will be contacted by their site principals to discuss the next steps. Impacted students will have priority enrollment at designated schools. We will continue to update the  closure and consolidation website  with information and a form for submitting questions or feedback. We invite you to stay engaged in this process. Your voice is essential, and we encourage you to attend upcoming meetings and stay connected via our  district website  and social media channels. We appreciate your patience, partnership, and support as we strengthen our schools and community. Your support and engagement are invaluable as we continue to create the best possible learning environment for all students. Thank you for being an essential part of our VCUSD community. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent Vallejo City Unified School District

    Thursday, Feb 20 2025

  • Important Update on School Closures and Consolidatio...

    Dear Vallejo City Unified School District Families, Tonight, the VCUSD Board of Education made the difficult decision to approve the closure of Mare Island Health and Fitness Academy and Loma Vista Environmental Science Academy and to relocate Vallejo Charter School to the Mare Island campus for the 2025-26 school year. Additionally, we approved $12.8 million in budget reductions for the 2025–26 school year to address the district’s ongoing financial challenges. We do not take this decision lightly and recognize its impact on students, staff, and families. However, given the district’s ongoing challenges with declining enrollment and financial sustainability, we must consolidate resources and ensure we provide all students with the highest-quality education. In making this decision, the Board meticulously reviewed community input, enrollment and financial data, and the broader realities our district is facing. We sincerely appreciate the voices of our families, staff, and community members who shared their concerns, hopes, and ideas throughout this process. We understand that this transition will be challenging, and we want to reassure you that the district staff is committed to supporting our families every step of the way. Tomorrow, the district administration will provide more details about the next steps, including student placement options, staff transitions, and resources available to assist those impacted. We aim to ensure every student has a clear path forward and that receiving schools are prepared to welcome their new students with open arms.  Thank you for your continued commitment to our students and our community. We deeply appreciate your patience and support as we navigate this transition together. Trustee John Fox Board President Vallejo City Unified School District

    Thursday, Feb 20 2025

  • Important Reminder: Protecting Your Student from On...

    Message sent on behalf of Vallejo City Unified School District Superintendent Rubén Aurelio.  Dear VCUSD Families, We want to remind you and your students about the importance of online safety, especially regarding emails and messages containing unknown links. Recently, a phishing attempt targeted our district, and unfortunately, a few students and their families were impacted. To help keep your students safe online, please encourage them to follow these precautions: Avoid clicking on unknown links.  Scammers often disguise harmful links as job offers, giveaways, or urgent requests. Verify the source.  If an email or message seems suspicious, students should check with a trusted adult or confirm the sender’s identity through an official source. Never share personal information.  Remind your student not to enter passwords, financial details, or other private information on unverified websites. Report suspicious messages . They should immediately inform a teacher, staff member, or the Technology Department if they receive something questionable. Your support in reinforcing these safety measures at home is invaluable in protecting students from online threats. If you have any questions or need guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact the VCUSD Technology Department at 707-556-8921. Thank you for helping us keep our students safe in the digital world. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent Vallejo City Unified School District

    Wednesday, Feb 12 2025

  • Our Ongoing Commitment to Supporting All Members of ...

    Sent on behalf of the Vallejo City Unified School District Superintendent Rubén Aurelio. Dear Vallejo City Unified School District Community, We recognize that the start of the Trump administration is creating anxiety for many people in our community—particularly undocumented students and their families, as well as trans and non-binary individuals. Emotions are running high, and new information regarding federal decisions and actions surfaces daily. Our commitment to you remains unwavering:  VCUSD stands with all our students, staff, and families to the greatest extent possible, regardless of immigration status, gender identity, or any other factor.   Our proactive approach to sharing information in these uncertain times is evident. Our  district website  contains information prepared by the State Attorney General and our district policies and practices. We have also advised our school site teams to respond if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shows up on a school campus or if there are other potential threats to our students—trans, non-binary, undocumented, or otherwise. We will continue to share any information, resources, or guidance as soon as we receive it. While this is a challenging time for many, we encourage you to stay informed and support one another. We are committed to safeguarding the well-being of every member of our diverse community and ensuring our schools remain safe, welcoming spaces for all. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent Vallejo City Unified School District

    Monday, Feb 10 2025

  • VCUSD Commitment to a Safe and Inclusive Learning En...

    Sent on behalf of Vallejo City Unified School District Superintendent Rubén Aurelio. Dear Vallejo City Unified School District Community, We recognize that recent political developments have left many feeling uncertain and anxious. Please know that VCUSD is closely monitoring these changes and has clear plans should any law enforcement agency approach one of our campuses. Last week, the new federal administration issued several executive orders, including the repeal of a Biden-era policy that classified schools as “protected areas.” The administration has also issued additional executive orders on immigration enforcement, gender equality, and the Department of Education. Understandably, you may question how these changes impact our schools, students, families, and staff. As a public school district in California, we follow guidance from the California Department of Justice and the State Attorney General’s Office. We want to reaffirm that  every student has the right to an education free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying—regardless of immigration status.  California law (Education Code 200, 220, 234.1) ensures these protections remain in place. Additionally, VCUSD adheres to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and State Assembly Bill (AB) 699. This means that, except in cases of a court order or judicial subpoena, we will not release student information to anyone other than parents, guardians, or authorized designees. To further support our families and staff during this period of change, we have launched an  immigration support website  that serves as a central hub for resources, materials, and guidance. This site will continue to evolve with new information, so we encourage you to visit it regularly rather than saving documents locally—ensuring you always have access to the most up-to-date guidance. VCUSD remains committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all. Discrimination or mistreatment based on immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other aspect of a person’s identity has no place in our schools. Thank you for being part of our community and for your support in ensuring every student feels safe, valued, and empowered. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent Vallejo City Unified School District

    Monday, Feb 03 2025

  • Standing Together: A Commitment to Diversity, Inclus...

    Sent on behalf of VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio.  Dear VCUSD Community, Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) is proud to serve one of the most diverse cities in the nation. Our community is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions, with our families speaking many languages. Approximately 26 percent of our students identify as English learners. This diversity enriches our educational environment, and we celebrate each student and family's unique contributions to our district. In light of recent national discussions on immigration policies, we understand that many in our community may feel uncertain or concerned about the future. At VCUSD, we want to assure every family that they are welcome here and that all students and family members will be treated with respect and dignity.  As defined in the strategic plan, VCUSD is committed to providing all students access to a safe, inclusive, and equitable learning experience that validates, respects, and honors their unique backgrounds, interests, and identities. As mandated by federal law, we do not inquire about the immigration status of our students or their families, and we are dedicated to protecting the confidentiality and personal information of all members of our community. The City of Vallejo values inclusion and support for all residents. Our local law enforcement agencies ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of immigration status, and do not enforce federal civil immigration laws. We remain steadfast in our mission to meet our students and families where they are and to provide a high-quality, rich educational experience that seeks to elevate each student’s potential and connect to each student’s passion, providing a strong foundation for a productive and fulfilling future on the pathway of their choice.  In the coming days, a page of resources with more information will be posted on our website. Thank you for being an integral part of the VCUSD community. Together, we will continue to foster an inclusive and supportive environment. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent Vallejo City Unified School District

    Friday, Jan 17 2025

  • Safety Update

    Sent on behalf of the Vallejo City Unified School District Superintendent Rubén Aurelio. Dear VCUSD community,  We want to inform you about a situation involving John Paul Acac, a former teacher and coach at John Finney Education Complex and Vallejo High School, who was recently arrested on felony charges related to a former student. While this news may be concerning, we want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority. We were informed of a situation involving Acac that required immediate investigation on Nov. 15, 2024.  We immediately placed the teacher on administrative leave and referred the matter to local law enforcement.   Please be advised that this teacher did not step foot into any District classroom or otherwise have access to our students once we were notified he was under criminal investigation.    This teacher’s employment with the District ended on Dec. 9, 2024, and he was arrested and booked on multiple felony charges on Dec. 19, 2024.  I assure you that the District and I take any allegations of employee misconduct very seriously. We are fully cooperating with the Vallejo Police Department’s ongoing investigation and remain committed to providing any necessary assistance to ensure justice and transparency.  We want to highlight the dedication and integrity of our high-quality staff and teachers, who consistently prioritize the safety and well-being of our students. Their genuine care and commitment are at the core of creating a positive and supportive learning environment for every child. We understand that news of this nature may prompt questions and concerns. If you have specific concerns or need further clarification, please get in touch with the VCUSD Communications Office at  communicationsoffice@vcusd.org . We also encourage families to have open and honest conversations with their students during this time. Our dedicated staff is committed to supporting our students during this time and understands the importance of building trust with our families. Counseling and support services are available for students or families needing assistance. Please visit our  mental health resources page  on our website. While our staff is also on winter break,  Care Solace  is a free  mental health care coordination service, if needed. Safety in our schools is a shared responsibility. Please remind your child to speak to a trusted adult at school if they see or hear anything that feels uncomfortable or out of place. Please encourage them to avoid gossip and rumors, which can create unnecessary confusion and stress.  The Vallejo Police Department asks anyone who believes they may have been a victim or knows someone who may have been a victim of sexual assault to contact VPD Officer Valeria Banda at 707-567-9605 or  Valeria.Banda@cityofvallejo.net , or Detective Daniel Callison at 707-648-4533 or  Daniel.Callison@cityofvallejo.net . The safety of our children and staff members is always our highest priority, and it is important to keep families informed promptly.  Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent Vallejo City Unified School District

    Saturday, Dec 21 2024

  • New Safety Pilot at Vallejo and Jesse Bethel High Sc...

    VCUSD Staff,  We are piloting a new safety measure in our ongoing efforts to enhance campus security at Jesse Bethel High School and Vallejo High School’s Corbus Field and Bottari Gym. This system, Evolv Express, will be in operation starting the week of Oct. 21. It will provide an additional layer of security for all students, staff, and visitors during school hours, football games at Corbus Field, and basketball games at Bottari Gym at Vallejo High School. Jesse Bethel High School will begin using this technology on Tuesday, Oct. 22, and Corbus Field on Friday, Oct. 25, for the football game. This change will adjust our campus procedures and may cause temporary inconveniences. Jesse Bethel will now have a single entry point, so please allow extra time to navigate these updates and exercise patience. Remember, this is a pilot program, and we are using this opportunity to assess whether it’s a viable security solution for our schools moving forward.  Visitors, staff, and students will walk through an open-air kiosk equipped with sensor technology to scan for weapons quickly. This system uses extremely low frequency (ELF) radio waves, similar to those found in in-store anti-theft devices, and can detect dangerous items in bags and pockets. Those walking through will not need to remove items from their pockets or separate them from their belongings. The Evolv system scans in real-time, minimizing delays at entry. If a potential threat is detected, the system’s green lights will turn red, and a photo of the person with a highlighted red box around the item will appear on a tablet. A trained staff member will then inspect the specific area the alert identifies. This entry procedure is minimally invasive and allows most to walk through the new screening system without interruption and safely to campus. Specific staff members have been trained on the system. We ask for your support as we work together to maximize the benefits of this cutting-edge technology and pilot the program. We encourage you to share this information with your students and visitors so they are not surprised to see the system next week.  While the items listed below are not prohibited, we encourage all on campus to follow these guidelines to help reduce the chances of "false alerts" on everyday items: Opt for non-metal supplies when possible. Be aware that metal containers like Altoid tins or metal pencil cases may trigger an alert. Choose three-ring binders with plastic spines/rings (non-metal). Use BPA-free plastic water or coffee bottles instead of metal ones. Select eyeglass cases that are hard or soft-shell without metal reinforcement. During the screening process, laptops and other devices will be handled separately at a staffed table. Please note that this is a pilot program. We will evaluate the system's effectiveness and efficiency during its initial implementation. For more information or with any questions about Evolv, please contact  evolvpilot@vcusd.org . We look forward to your feedback as we partner to enhance the safety and security of our schools. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent

    Thursday, Oct 17 2024

  • VCUSD Teacher Residency - Join Us Virtually or In-P...

    Are you interested in Teaching and making a difference in a Students Life? Join us for a short informational session to learn about the Alder Graduate School of Education Teacher Residency Program at Vallejo Unified School District. Learn how you can earn your Master’s and teaching credential in just one year, while getting hands-on experience collaborating with a mentor teacher. Residents have access to a living stipend, financial aid, and numerous scholarships. Hear from the program coordinators and Alder representatives to gain a better understanding about the program, benefits, and ask questions. Sign up below! Click here to register  fo r the  Virtual Session on October 10th at 12noon.   Click here to register   for the In-Person Session on October 15th at 5:00pm Please share the attached flyer with anyone interested in Teaching! [Monday, Oct 7 at 4:31 PM] The link to register for the In-person Information Session and been corrected.

    Monday, Oct 07 2024