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  • 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

  • Safety, Inclusion, and Support for All Families

    Sent on behalf of VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio. Dear VCUSD Families, We are aware of recent reports regarding potential federal immigration activity in the Bay Area. This morning, President Donald Trump announced that he has called off plans for a “federal deployment” in San Francisco following discussions with local leaders. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie confirmed that the deployment will not proceed and that the Secretary of Homeland Security has reaffirmed this direction. However, some news outlets have reported uncertainty about whether federal agents may still be present or active in other Bay Area locations, including areas near Alameda. We understand that these reports may cause concern or anxiety for members of our community. At the Vallejo City Unified School District, our commitment remains clear and unwavering:  every student and family—regardless of immigration or citizenship status—belongs here.  All children in the United States have the right to attend public school, and immigration enforcement has no place on our campuses. VCUSD schools are safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces where safety, belonging, and learning are our top priorities. Our staff are guided by state and federal laws that protect student privacy and prohibit immigration enforcement actions on school grounds. If immigration agents were ever to appear on or near a campus, the district would immediately follow established legal protocols and notify affected families in accordance with California law. We encourage families to review the California Department of Education’s   “Our Schools” toolkit , which provides information and multilingual resources about students’ rights and school protections for immigrant families. If your child or family is feeling anxious or affected by these developments, support is available. You can find helpful resources on our  Community Inclusion and Support webpage  and a list of local providers on our  Mental Health webpage . You may also contact your school's front office for additional assistance. We will continue to monitor developments closely and communicate any information that may impact our school community. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we stand together— diverse, strong, and united —in ensuring that every student feels safe, respected, and valued. Rubén Aurelio Superintendent Vallejo City Unified School District

    Thursday, Oct 23 2025

  • Upcoming Town Halls on School Closures and Consolida...

    Dear VCUSD Families, The Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) continues to engage our community in conversations about upcoming school closures and consolidations. We are grateful to everyone who attended our first town hall in September and shared their questions and feedback. To ensure every family has an opportunity to participate, regardless of language, we are adding two additional town hall meetings this month — including one dedicated entirely to our Spanish-speaking families. Upcoming Meetings Town Hall #2 (In-Person) Date: Monday, Oct. 20 Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m. Location: Vallejo High School Auditorium (840 Nebraska Street) This is an opportunity to hear updates, ask questions, and share your thoughts directly with district leadership. Town Hall #3 (Virtual – Spanish Only) Date: Wednesday, Oct. 29 Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m. Format: Online via Zoom   Zoom Link:  Join Meeting   Passcode: 298432 This meeting will be conducted entirely in Spanish to make sure our Spanish-speaking families can fully participate. Final Town Hall (In-Person) Date: Tuesday, Nov. 18  Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m. Location: Family Support Center Gym (2833 Tennessee Street) All meetings will be  livestreamed on the VCUSD YouTube channel , and recordings will be posted afterward for those unable to attend. Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available at the Oct. 20 and Nov. 18 town halls. The Board of Education is expected to make final decisions regarding school closures and consolidations by December 2025, with any changes taking effect in the 2026–27 school year. If you need accommodations to participate, please contact communicationsoffice@vcusd.org as soon as possible. For more information, including livestream links, meeting updates, and ways to share feedback, please  visit the VCUSD Closure and Consolidation webpage . We appreciate your ongoing engagement and thank you for staying involved as we continue this important process together.

    Monday, Oct 13 2025

  • 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