URGENT UPDATE: The Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) is hosting a series of town hall meetings to address community concerns over potential school closures and consolidations. The first meeting is set for September 10, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Jesse Bethel High School, with additional meetings scheduled for October 20 and November 13 at locations yet to be determined.
This initiative comes as the district prepares for the second phase of its school closure plan, impacting schools already operating at less than 50 percent capacity. VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio emphasizes that these meetings are essential for community engagement, stating, “This is a chance to come together, discuss the realities we face, and create solutions that put students first.”
The town halls will provide critical information on the district’s financial status and how it reached this point, according to Director of Communications Celina Baguiao. Community members will have the opportunity to voice concerns, ask questions, and offer feedback during the sessions.
In a previous board meeting, a 7-11 committee presented a ranked list of schools recommended for closure, with Lincoln Elementary and John Finney Education Complex topping the list. Parents, teachers, and students have already expressed strong opposition to these recommendations, making the upcoming town halls even more crucial for community dialogue.
Despite experiencing closures last year, the district aims to right-size facilities and align resources effectively. Aurelio reassured families and staff of the district’s commitment to transparency, promising “timely updates, clear communication, and multiple opportunities for public input regarding the potential school closures and consolidations.”
The board has set a target date of December 17, 2023, for final decisions on school closures, with changes expected to take effect in the 2026-2027 school year. This timeline is designed to give families and staff adequate notice to prepare for upcoming changes.
As tensions rise within the community, these town hall meetings are pivotal in shaping the future of Vallejo’s schools. Residents are urged to attend and make their voices heard. Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops.
