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  • Your Voice Matters: Upcoming VCUSD Town Hall Meetings

    Vallejo City Unified School District will host three town hall meetings this fall to hear from our community about the second phase of school closures and consolidation. Your voice is not just important; it's integral to our decision-making process, and we invite you to join us in these conversations. Meeting Dates: Wednesday, Sept. 10 | 6–7:30 p.m. | Jesse Bethel High School Monday, Oct. 20 | 6–7:30 p.m. | Location TBD Thursday, Nov. 13 | 6–7:30 p.m. | Location TBD For your convenience, interpretation in Spanish and American Sign Language will be available at each meeting. Sessions will also be recorded and posted to our YouTube channel the following day, ensuring everyone can access the information at their own pace; however, they will not be live-streamed. The VCUSD Board of Education has committed to making closure or consolidation decisions by December 2025, with any changes taking effect in the 2026–27 school year. We assure you that this process will be transparent and your input will be considered. If you need accommodations, please get in touch with us at communicationsoffice@vcusd.org as soon as possible. For more details and updates, visit our closure and consolidation webpage  closure and consolidation web page .  Thank you for being a part of this critical process. Together, we can ensure that every decision puts students first as we continue to “Think VCUSD First.”

    Wednesday, Sep 03 2025

  • Join Us At Our Job Fair

    Are you looking to make a real impact on students’ lives? VCUSD hires educators and professionals who believe every student deserves opportunity, support, and success. VCUSD is hosting a job fair!  Thursday, August 28 2–4 p.m. VCUSD District Office (665 Walnut Ave., Vallejo) Meet and interview with principals and hiring managers! Dress to impress, and don’t forget to bring your resume. Register now !  Please share with family, friends, or anyone looking for work—we’re excited to grow our VCUSD team! For more information, please contact Human Resources at hr@vcusd.org or 707-556-8921 ext. 50044.

    Tuesday, Aug 26 2025

  • 7-11 Committee Meeting No. 4 Recap

    VCUSD Families, In keeping with our commitment to transparency, we’re sharing a recap of last night’s fourth and final 7-11 Committee meeting.   7-11 Committee Meeting No. 4 Recap: Final Report Ready for Board Review The 7-11 Committee held its fourth and final meeting on Monday night, voting unanimously to approve its  final report  for the Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) Board of Education. The report—which will be presented at the board’s regular meeting on Wednesday, August 20—includes recommended school closure rankings and the designation of four school sites as surplus. Closure Ranking Using enrollment data, facility assessments, and community feedback, the committee ranked schools in order of consideration for closure: Lincoln Elementary John Finney Education Complex Pennycook Elementary* Steffan Manor Elementary* Cooper Elementary Federal Terrace Elementary Highland Elementary The committee revised its earlier ranking, swapping Pennycook and Steffan Manor. This decision was made after considering Steffan Manor’s newer facilities and larger multi-purpose room, ensuring a comprehensive and fair ranking process. Surplus Property Recommendations To allow flexibility for future use, the committee recommends designating the following sites as surplus: Federal Terrace Elementary John Finney Education Complex Cooper Elementary Highland Elementary A surplus designation would allow the board to lease, sell, or repurpose these properties. Next Steps The VCUSD Board of Education is expected to make final decisions on school closures and consolidations by December 2025, with changes taking effect in the 2026–27 school year. All board meetings are open to the public and held at 6 p.m. at the VCUSD District Office Board Room, 665 Walnut Ave., Vallejo. Public comment is welcome. For ongoing updates and details, visit the  Roadmap to Resizing  page on the VCUSD website.

    Tuesday, Aug 12 2025

  • VCUSD Reinforces No-Phone Policy to Promote Student ...

    Sent on behalf of VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio. Dear VCUSD Families, We’re strengthening our commitment to student success by reasserting an important district policy:  Students may not use cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses, or headphones/earbuds during the school day . While this rule has always existed, we are taking stronger, more consistent action to ensure our classrooms remain focused, safe, and engaging spaces for learning. This shift aligns with Assembly Bill 3216, the  Phone-Free School Act , signed by Governor  Gavin Newsom. The law requires every California school district to limit student  personal device  use during the school day by July 1, 2026. VCUSD is acting now—not later. Smartphones and social media have reshaped how kids think, feel, and interact—but not always for the better. Research shows that excessive screen use contributes to rising levels of anxiety, depression, distraction, and digital addiction. Constant notifications and online pressures make it harder for students to stay present, form authentic connections, and focus on learning. This is more than a classroom disruption—it concerns mental health and equity. Students of color and those from lower-income households are more likely to be negatively affected by screen overexposure and algorithm-driven content, increasing barriers to engagement and well-being. At VCUSD, we believe students deserve classrooms that serve as attention sanctuaries—spaces free from digital distractions where they can learn deeply, think critically, and grow socially and emotionally. Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, all VCUSD schools will enforce a districtwide no-student-phone   or personal electronic device   policy from the first bell to the last, with limited exceptions for: Health plans Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans Administrative discretion To prepare for this shift, we are updating Board Policy 5131.8 (Use of Personal Electronic Devices) to reflect this new standard. In the meantime, schools are authorized to begin enforcement using our existing district policies, including: Board Policy 1313 – Civility Board Policy 3515.2 – Disruptions Education Code 35160 – Governing Board Authority These policies support school leaders and staff in setting clear behavioral expectations and keeping students focused and safe on campus. As part of our proactive approach, VCUSD is piloting locking phone pouches this school year at: John Finney Education Complex Solano Widenmann Leadership Academy Vallejo Charter School Students at these campuses will store their phones   and devices in pouches a t the start of the school day and keep them sealed until dismissal. If successful, this practice will expand districtwide. These pouches help promote responsible use and reduce classroom interruptions. Staff are also expected to model these expectations by avoiding personal  electronic device  use during instruction and while supervising students. We understand some employees may require phone access for medical, safety, or accessibility reasons—those needs will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by school administrators. We know you may have questions. We’re committed to rolling out this policy clearly, consistently, and family-focused. This message includes a  webpage with frequently asked questions . We ask you to talk with your child about what it means to be present. Help them understand that putting the phone away isn't a punishment—it's a step toward better mental health, stronger friendships, and higher achievement. As we raise expectations across the district, we ask all students, staff, and families to  Think VCUSD First —to support learning, health, and equity in every decision we make. Thank you for supporting our schools and standing with us in creating safer, stronger learning environments. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent Vallejo City Unified School District [Wednesday, Aug 13 at 4:59 PM] VCUSD Families, We can’t wait to welcome you and your students back on Monday morning for the first day of school! As a reminder, our new no-phone policy will be effective starting the first day. Thank you for your partnership and support as we work together for a great school year.

    Tuesday, Aug 05 2025

  • 7-11 Committee Meeting No. 3 Recap: Committee Advanc...

    7-11 Committee Meeting No. 3 Recap: Committee Advances School Closure,  Surplus Recommendations The 7-11 Committee met Monday night for its third session, which included a legally required public hearing. Members continued developing a recommendation for the governing board that ranks schools for potential closure and proposes designating four school sites as surplus. The committee's final recommendations and the report will be voted on at the next meeting on Aug. 11 and presented to the board on Aug. 20. Based on a range of data and community input, the 7-11 Committee ranked schools in the following order of consideration for closure: Lincoln Elementary John Finney Education Complex Steffan Manor Elementary Pennycook Elementary Cooper Elementary Federal Terrace Highland Elementary The committee also drafted messages to explain the ranking, including the following: keep the Lincoln literacy program intact and move the entire program somewhere; relocate the John Finney programs to another site and explore the John Finney site for future middle school use; close Steffan Manor and consolidate students to Pennycook, using Steffan Manor as a new home to other programs. To provide flexibility for future use, the following sites have been designated as surplus in the draft: Federal Terrace Elementary John Finney Education Complex Cooper Elementary Highland Elementary This designation would allow the board to lease, sell, or repurpose those sites in the future. During the public hearing, families shared heartfelt input: Defense of neighborhood schools like Lincoln, Federal Terrace, and Cooper. Concerns about transportation burdens if schools close. Fears that vacant campuses may lead to blight. Praise for unique programs like Deaf/Hard of Hearing (Pennycook) and early childhood (Federal Terrace). The committee will hold its final meeting on Monday, Aug. 11, to finalize its report to the board. Community members are encouraged to attend and participate. The committee will present its final recommendations and report, including closure rankings and surplus property designations, to the board of education at its regular meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The board will make final decisions on school closures and consolidations by December 2025, which will take effect for the 2026-27 school year. All meetings are open to the public and will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the VCUSD District Office Board Room, 665 Walnut Ave., Vallejo. Public comment is welcome on agenda items. The following day, the District posts video recordings of all committee meetings on its  YouTube channel . Please visit our  Roadmap to Resizing web for ongoing updates and additional information .

    Wednesday, Jul 30 2025

  • Mare Island Causeway Construction

    Dear Vallejo families, We want to inform you of an upcoming construction project affecting Mare Island Causeway Bridge traffic beginning next month. Starting Aug. 4, the city of Vallejo will begin critical maintenance and safety repairs on the Mare Island Causeway Bridge. The project is expected to continue through spring 2027 and will significantly impact vehicle access between Mare Island and the greater Vallejo area. Traffic impacts are as follows: Aug. 4–Sept. 30, 2025 Weekdays (Monday through Friday): One-lane traffic from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with flaggers directing vehicles. Weekends: One lane will be open in each direction. Oct. 1–Dec. 31, 2025 The bridge will operate with 24/7 reversible one-lane traffic using timed signals. Looking ahead to 2026: The reversible one-lane setup is expected to continue throughout most of the year. We strongly advise families and staff to plan their journeys, anticipate delays, and exercise caution when traveling through the construction area. These improvements are essential to ensure the long-term safety and functionality of the bridge for all users. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please share this information with others who may be affected. [Thursday, Aug 14 at 3:41 PM] A reminder that the city has begun construction on the Mare Island Causeway Bridge, which affects traffic. Please allow extra time when crossing the Causeway.

    Friday, Jul 25 2025

  • New Family Support Center and Health Clinic Services

    Dear VCUSD Families, As part of the ongoing school closure and consolidation process—and the transition of Vallejo Charter School (VCS) to the former Mare Island Health and Fitness Academy campus, we want to inform you about the continued use of the former VCS campus at 2833 Tennessee Street. To maximize our district resources and better serve our community, we have repurposed the VCS building into the new Family Support Center and the future home of our VCUSD Health Clinic (formerly at Pennycook Elementary). The Family Support Center will be a one-stop shop for families. While student enrollment remains available online and at all school sites, families can now visit the center to receive in-person assistance with: Enrollment applications Transfer requests Work permits Student services and support In addition, the VCUSD Health Clinic, set to re-open soon, will offer a range of health services, including immunizations, by appointment. We are excited about the benefits this will bring to our community and will update you when it opens.  Thank you for your continued partnership as we work to provide accessible and centralized services to our VCUSD community.

    Wednesday, Jul 23 2025

  • Public Hearing at 7-11 Committee Meeting – Monday, J...

    Dear VCUSD Families, This is a reminder that the next 7-11 committee meeting, which includes a public hearing, will be held on  Monday, July 28, from 5 to 7 p.m.  at the district office board room (665 Walnut Ave., Vallejo, CA 94592) Your voice and input are not just welcome, but essential as we continue the conversation about school closure and consolidation. We urge you to participate and share your thoughts. The 7-11 committee is a group of community members tasked with evaluating and recommending how the district should use or dispose of surplus school properties. The committee is assessing and rank-ordering seven school sites for potential closure: Cooper Elementary Federal Terrace Elementary Highland Elementary John Finney Education Complex Lincoln Elementary Pennycook Elementary Steffan Manor Elementary Additionally, the board has asked the committee to consider whether four campuses—Federal Terrace, Finney, Cooper, and Highland—should be declared surplus properties. This designation would allow the board to lease, sell, or repurpose those sites. The committee will present its final recommendations, including closure rankings and surplus property designations, to the Board of Education at its regular meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 20. As the final decision-making authority, the board will make the crucial decisions on school closures and consolidations in December. For more information and resources, visit our  closure and consolidation webpage . We sincerely appreciate your continued engagement and support. Your involvement in this process is invaluable, and we are grateful for your commitment to our schools and community.

    Wednesday, Jul 23 2025

  • 7-11 Committee Meeting No. 2 Recap

    As part of our ongoing commitment to clear communication and transparency, please find below a summary of the July 7, 2025, meeting of the 7-11 Committee. On July 7, 2025, the 7-11 Committee held its second meeting as part of Phase 2 in Vallejo City Unified School District's school closure and consolidation process. This citizen-led advisory committee reviews districtwide data and provides community-informed recommendations to the Board of Education. Committee Charge The committee is evaluating and rank-ordering seven school sites for potential closure: Cooper Elementary Federal Terrace Elementary Highland Elementary John Finney Education Complex Lincoln Elementary Pennycook Elementary Steffan Manor Elementary Additionally, the Board has asked the committee to consider whether four campuses—Federal Terrace, Finney, Cooper, and Highland—should be declared surplus properties. This designation would allow the Board to lease, sell, or repurpose those sites in the future. The committee will present its final recommendations, including closure rankings and surplus property designations, to the Board of Education at its regular meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The Board will make final decisions on school closures and consolidations by the end of the calendar year. Meeting Overview Six of the ten committee members were present. Discussion focused on the state-mandated AB 1912 evaluation criteria, which consider fiscal, demographic, programmatic, and transportation factors. Key Topics Discussed Enrollment Trends:  Updated data through 2033 show a continued decline in student enrollment, a major driver behind the need to realign district resources. Financial and Facility Analysis:  Members reviewed site-level expenditures and projected cost savings for each potential closure. School-by-School Review:  Committee members explored each of the seven school sites under consideration. Initial District Proposal:  Superintendent Rubén Aurelio presented an initial staff recommendation that included the proposed closure of Lincoln, Pennycook, and Cooper Elementary Schools and the relocation of John Finney programs to another existing campus. He challenged the committee to think boldly and explore solutions to prevent the need for a third phase of closures. Upcoming Meetings The committee will meet two more times before presenting its final report. Community members are encouraged to attend and participate, especially at the upcoming public hearing: Monday, July 28 – Public Hearing Monday, Aug. 11 – Final Committee Meeting Wednesday, Aug. 20 – Presentation of Final Report to the VCUSD Board of Education All meetings are open to the public and will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the VCUSD District Office Board Room, 665 Walnut Ave., Vallejo. Public comment is welcome on agenda items. Stay Informed The following day, the District posts video recordings of all committee meetings on its   YouTube channel . Please visit our  Roadmap to Resizing web for ongoing updates and additional information . We remain steadfast in our commitment to transparency and open dialogue throughout this process, ensuring the community is well-informed and engaged.

    Tuesday, Jul 08 2025

  • Safe, Inclusive Promotion/Commencement Ceremonies fo...

    Sent on behalf of the VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio Dear VCUSD Families, As we gather to celebrate this week’s student promotion and commencement ceremonies, we are mindful of recent news reports about immigration-enforcement actions in the Los Angeles area. We recognize that such reports can create anxiety, and we want to offer both reassurance and clear information. Vallejo City Unified School District protects every student’s safety, dignity, and privacy, regardless of immigration status. Per  California’s AB 699 (Safe Schools for Immigrant Students Act) , we want you to know: We do not collect or share immigration-status information about students or their families. Immigration enforcement agents are not permitted on our campuses without a legally issued court order and prior approval from the Superintendent or legal counsel. All inquiries from enforcement agencies are routed to trained administrators; no information is provided without appropriate legal review. Our  Community and Inclusion Support website  is continually updated with resources on rights and protections. If students or families are experiencing stress, our  mental health staff  are ready to help. Resources are also available for employees who may feel concerned. Families who prefer to watch from home can stream the Jesse Bethel, John Finney, and Vallejo High School’s ceremonies live on our  YouTube channel . Vallejo City Unified School District proudly serves an exceptionally diverse and resilient community. With unity, compassion, and respect, we remain steadfast in ensuring our schools are safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all, regardless of immigration status. We sincerely appreciate your partnership and trust as we honor our students’ achievements and support one another through every challenge.  Rubén Aurelio Superintendent Vallejo City Unified School District

    Wednesday, Jun 11 2025