Standing With Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District

Dear VCUSD Families, Like many throughout Solano County, we are heartbroken by the shooting that occurred following Sem Yeto High School’s commencement ceremony. Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and the entire Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District community as they navigate the pain and uncertainty caused by this tragedy. As neighbors and partners in serving our community’s young people, we have reached out to offer our support during this difficult time. We know that events like these can have a profound impact not only on those directly involved, but also on students, families, and staff throughout our region. If your family was affected by this tragedy, please know that you are not alone. We stand with you in your grief and extend our deepest condolences. We also recognize that students may experience a range of emotions after hearing about such incidents. Mental health and counseling support are available at our school sites for any student who may need assistance processing their feelings or concerns. We encourage families to reach out to their school if support is needed. As we continue with upcoming school events, the safety of our students, staff, families, and community members remains our highest priority. Out of an abundance of caution, we will be implementing additional security measures at our events. Our weapons detection system will be in place, and we ask attendees to allow extra time for entry and screening. We will also have additional site safety personnel on hand, along with support from the Vallejo Police Department. During times like these, we are reminded of the importance of coming together as a community to support one another with compassion, care, and kindness. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent Vallejo City Unified School District

Thursday, Jun 04 2026

Update on Classified Staff Negotiations

Sent on behalf of VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio. Dear VCUSD Families, We want to keep you informed about an update regarding negotiations between Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) and the California School Employees Association (CSEA), which represents many of our classified employees. After several discussions, the District has declared an “impasse,” meaning both sides have not yet reached an agreement on key issues. As a next step, we have requested the support of a neutral, state-appointed mediator to help move the process forward. The District has met several times with CSEA to talk about how recent staffing changes may affect employees. These meetings began on March 9, 2026. During these conversations, the District shared plans to create new positions, including roles in Special Education and Operations, as part of preparing for the next school year. Several of these proposals were first introduced in 2025 and remain pending. So far, CSEA has not shared any proposals or feedback regarding these plans. After the most recent meeting on March 24, CSEA said it would follow up with a date to continue discussions, but no date has been provided yet. We know that situations like this can raise questions, but we want to reassure you:  there will be no disruption to student learning or school operations. Our focus remains on providing a safe, stable, and supportive environment for all students. We remain committed to working toward a fair agreement that supports our employees while also ensuring the long-term stability of our schools. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent  Vallejo City Unified School District

Monday, Apr 06 2026

Welcome Back

Sent on behalf of VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio. Dear VCUSD Families, Welcome back from Spring Break. I hope you and your family had a restful and enjoyable time together. As we return, I want to share a few important updates and ensure you have clear, accurate information about what’s happening in our district. First, during the break, the District ended its agreement with a temporary third-party contractor after identifying concerns. We want to assure you that student safety remains our top priority. We are already strengthening our processes to more thoroughly review and vet all partners we work with moving forward. Second, many of you may have heard about the recent Board of Education meeting on April 1 and ongoing discussions about school closures and budget adjustments. We understand that this is a sensitive and emotional topic for our community. These decisions are not made lightly, and we know they directly impact students, families, and neighborhoods. You may also be hearing different or conflicting information. We want to be clear: the most accurate and up-to-date information will always come directly from the District. We encourage you to rely on official VCUSD communications, including ParentSquare messages, our website, and school messages, as decisions are finalized. Our focus remains on ensuring a stable, sustainable future for our schools while continuing to serve students at a high level. Every decision is guided by what is best for students, both now and in the years ahead. We are committed to keeping you informed and will continue to share updates as they become available. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. We are proud to serve your children and your families. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent Vallejo City Unified School District

Monday, Apr 06 2026

School Closure Decisions Reaffirmed

Sent on behalf of Vallejo City Unified School District Superintendent Rubén Aurelio.  Dear VCUSD Families, I am writing to provide an important update regarding the planned closure of Lincoln Elementary, Highland Elementary, and Pennycook Elementary at the end of the 2025–26 school year. Tonight, the Vallejo City Unified School District Board of Trustees voted in open session to reaffirm this decision. This vote followed a “cure and correct” process after concerns were raised about the Board’s original December vote. In recent weeks, there has been confusion and uncertainty about whether the closure decision might change, including messages shared publicly that did not always reflect the full scope of the process. We understand that this created additional stress for many of our families and staff, and we are truly sorry for the emotional toll that uncertainty may have caused. To be clear: the decision to close these three schools remains unchanged. The Board took this additional step to ensure full transparency and reinforce confidence in the process. While the outcome is the same, this action affirms that the decision was made in an open, clear, and legally compliant manner. We know that this transition is significant. Our focus now is on supporting every student, family, and staff member through this process with care and clarity. In the coming weeks, we will continue sharing information about school assignments, transition supports, and opportunities for you to ask questions and stay engaged. These decisions are part of a broader effort to stabilize the district’s finances and ensure we can continue providing strong educational opportunities for all students in Vallejo. Thank you for your patience, your engagement, and your continued partnership. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent Vallejo City Unified School District

Thursday, Apr 02 2026

Important Update Regarding District Contractor

Sent on behalf of VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio.  Dear VCUSD Families, Our public schools are, and always will be, inclusive and welcoming spaces for students of all backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs. We are writing to inform you of the immediate action the District has taken to uphold those values and ensure the safety and well-being of our students. Yesterday, the Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) became aware of a video involving a representative of JF University/Luv Our Youth, a temporary third-party contractor recently engaged to support coordination of our Community Schools and Expanded Learning programs. This contractor had been assigned to provide services at several district sites, including Hogan Middle School, Vallejo High School, Cooper Elementary School, Wardlaw Elementary, Patterson Elementary, Vallejo Charter School and Steffan Manor Elementary. In the video, the individual made statements that are inconsistent with the expectations and responsibilities outlined in their agreement with the District, including misrepresenting their intentions while working with our students. This conduct is a clear violation of District policies and a breach of the trust we place in our partners. The District took immediate action. We have terminated our relationship with both the individual and the organization, effective immediately. They no longer have any access to VCUSD students, staff, or campuses. Our goal has always been to build and sustain these programs with dedicated VCUSD employees. We are currently working through the required collective bargaining process with our labor partners to post these positions and hire district staff. The temporary contractor was engaged solely to meet immediate state grant timelines while that process is underway. In response to this incident, we are conducting a comprehensive review of our vetting processes for all external partners and strengthening oversight of contractor activities on our campuses. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Heather Topacio at htopacio@vcusd.org .  Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we work to support and protect every student in our district. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent,  Vallejo City Unified School District

Saturday, Mar 28 2026

Important Update on School Closure Decisions

Sent on behalf of VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio.  Dear VCUSD Families, We are providing an important update regarding school closure decisions. At its next regular meeting on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 6 p.m., the Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) Board of Trustees will cure and correct its prior actions and take new action in open session on the planned closures of Lincoln Elementary, Highland Elementary, and Pennycook Elementary at the end of the 2025–26 school year. This action follows a March 16 letter from the California School Employees Association (CSEA), which raised concerns that some communications regarding the December 17, 2025, decisions may have occurred outside a public meeting, as required by the Ralph M. Brown Act. The Ralph M. Brown Act is a California law that requires school board decisions to be made openly and in public. This ensures transparency and gives the community the opportunity to be informed and involved. VCUSD takes open meeting laws seriously. The District maintains that the Board’s original decisions were made through a thorough and public process. This extra step is to reinforce transparency. It will also ensure clarity and maintain public trust. The original decisions were based on months of engagement, including input from the 7-11 Committee, an Equity Impact Analysis, Board study sessions, and multiple opportunities for community feedback at English- and Spanish-language town halls dating back to the summer of 2025. As part of this process, the Board will: Rescind prior resolutions related to specific school closures. Cure and correct those actions. Re-agendize the broader school closure item for renewed discussion and a new vote in open session. This approach ensures that all deliberations and decisions occur in public and gives our community another opportunity to participate. We encourage families to attend the April 1 Board meeting and share input during the public comment period. Meeting details and agenda materials will be posted on the District website on Friday afternoon, March 27, in accordance with public notice requirements. Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent Vallejo City Unified School District

Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Important Update on School Closures and Staffing Cha...

Sent on behalf of VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio.  Dear VCUSD Families, Last night, Board President  John Fox  addressed our community on the tough choices facing our district. I’m writing to clarify the decision made, its rationale, and how we’ll support students and families. After months of study, public meetings, and community input, the Board of Education voted to: Close the following school(s) at the end of the 2025-26 school year: Highland Elementary Lincoln Elementary Pennycook Elementary Reduce staffing across the district, including management, certificated, and classified positions, also at the end of the school year. We know this news is hard. Schools are more than buildings; they are communities and a big part of daily life. Staff reductions also affect individuals who have dedicated their careers to helping our students. We have to make these decisions because of challenges we cannot avoid: Declining enrollment. We have fewer students than we have schools and staff. This mismatch creates costs the district can’t sustain. The need to protect student learning and essential services. If we continued as we are, we would have to make even bigger cuts to academic programs, support, and operations. By consolidating schools and changing staff, we can avoid even deeper cuts. In short: these steps stabilize VCUSD to uphold our promises—safe schools, strong instruction, and needed supports. We do not have all the details yet. We have begun planning a thoughtful, student-focused transition, and we will share updates as plans are finalized. In the coming weeks, we will provide a schedule of key milestones and opportunities for you to give feedback. Expect to receive a timeline for updates and information about meetings or forums where you can express your concerns and suggestions. If your child attends one of the schools listed above, you will receive additional information from your principal later today, including next steps and what to expect in the months ahead. This will encompass details about transition meetings, potential placement options for your child, and timelines for these changes. This information is designed to help you prepare and make informed decisions during this period. We are committed to supporting your family and making this transition as smooth as we can. We have resources available to assist you, including counselors and   staff who are ready to help families navigate these changes. Please reach out to these resources to ensure you receive the support you need during this time. We understand that these decisions are difficult to accept. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. We are here to help. For more information, please contact  edservices@vcusd.org .  Thank you for working with VCUSD during this challenging time. Our community is strong and cares deeply about its children. We will get through this together and keep our focus on students every day. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent Vallejo City Unified School District

Thursday, Dec 18 2025

Moving Forward Together: Board Decision and What Fam...

Sent on behalf of Vallejo City Unified School District Board of Education President John Fox.  Dear VCUSD Community, Tonight, the VCUSD Board of Education made a unanimous decision to close Highland, Lincoln, and Pennycook Elementary Schools at the end of the 2025-26 school year. We understand that this news is difficult and emotional for the school communities affected, and we did not make this decision lightly. As the local elected governing body responsible for setting policy, ensuring academic outcomes, and overseeing the district’s budget and financial stability, the Board is tasked with making decisions that protect the long-term health of VCUSD. This includes acting when enrollment declines and economic pressures make it impossible to sustain current operations. This decision also includes approximately $22 million in staffing cuts, resulting from ongoing declines in enrollment, financial challenges, and the need to stabilize our district. We recognize that these staffing reductions may impact specific programs or services. We want to reassure families that we are actively working to minimize disruption and maintain the quality of education and support offered to our students. Over the past few months, each Board member has reviewed a significant amount of data, listened to community feedback, and considered the challenging choices we face. We truly appreciate the stories, questions, and concerns shared by students, families, staff, and the wider community. In the end, the Board decided that closing these schools is the best way to keep VCUSD financially stable and strong in academics. These steps are part of our commitment to  Think VCUSD First , which means prioritizing the district’s long-term health. By bringing our resources together now, we can focus on stability, academic growth, and giving every student better and more consistent opportunities. We understand that this decision may evoke feelings of loss, frustration, and uncertainty. We respect and value the views of those who may disagree with this outcome. Our primary goal is to support every student, family, and staff member through a carefully planned and well-executed transition. The district will continue to share clear updates, resources, and guidance as we move forward. To keep everyone informed and engaged, we will organize a series of community meetings in January and February. These meetings will address concerns, provide clarity on the transition process, and inform you about student placement options. Families can expect to receive detailed transition resources in the next few days. The Board remains committed to being open, responsible, and caring as we move forward. Please stay engaged and look for more updates from the superintendent and your school principals tomorrow on ParentSquare. They will share more details and next steps for your school community. Thank you for staying committed to our students and to one another during this challenging time. For the latest information, please visit our  school closure website . John Fox Board of Education President  Vallejo City Unified School District

Thursday, Dec 18 2025

School Closure Town Hall at Vallejo High School

Dear VCUSD Families, This is a reminder that the final community town hall on school closures  will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Vallejo High School Auditorium (840 Nebraska Street).  Please note the new location.   All families, students, staff, and community members are welcome to attend. This is the fourth and final community meeting in the district’s second phase of closures. The meeting will include an overview of the data, next steps, and provide time for community input. If you cannot attend in person, the town hall will be livestreamed on the  VCUSD YouTube channel , and a recording will be posted the following day. Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided. If you need additional accommodations, please contact  communicationsoffice@vcusd.org  as soon as possible. The VCUSD Board of Education is scheduled to make closure and staff reduction decisions at the Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, board meeting. Any approved changes would take effect in the 2026–27 school year. For more information and updates, please visit the district’s  closure webpage .

Friday, Nov 14 2025

Supporting Our Families: VCUSD Meals and Local Food ...

Sent on behalf of VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio.  Dear VCUSD Families,  We are closely monitoring the potential lapse in CalFresh/EBT benefits to families due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. If no resolution is reached, this could begin as early as November 1, 2025. Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) will continue to serve breakfast and lunch to all students enrolled in district schools, as well as supper to those participating in after-school programs. A possible interruption in benefits may create serious challenges for many of our families. VCUSD remains committed to supporting students and families during this time. Below are some local food resources and support programs available in our community: VCUSD continues to provide nutritious meals for thousands of students every school day, including supper for those enrolled in after-school programs. Families in need of additional food resources can connect with local partners such as: 211 Bay Area:  Call 2-1-1 or visit  211bayarea.org  to connect with food pantries, emergency assistance, and community resources. California Association of Food Banks:   cafoodbanks.org  provides statewide information on food access programs and local food bank partners across California. Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano:  foodbankccs.org  or call (855) 309-3663 to find local food distribution sites. The website also features an  interactive map  that allows you to find food locations in your city. Solano County also encourages those who can consider donating to the Food Bank, as approximately 1 in 12 Solano County residents rely on CalFresh benefits each month. Every donation helps ensure that families, seniors, and individuals have access to nutritious food during this period of uncertainty.   VCUSD will continue to share updates and additional information as it becomes available. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent Vallejo City Unified School District

Friday, Oct 31 2025