Closure and Consolidation
Frequently Asked Questions

At this time, Mare Island Health and Fitness Academy and Loma Vista Environmental Science Academy are the only schools that will close for the 2025–2026 school year.

The District uses multiple ways to save money, including cutting staffing, contracts, and across-the-board cuts to discretionary budgets.

You can contact the school principal or the district communications team. You can also submit a question through the "Straight From the Ship" portal on the district website.

The district will continue to provide updates on its website, through direct communications to families via ParentSquare, and email, and social media.

The district is exploring options for the reuse of closed school properties, such as...

The district is committed to transparency and community engagement throughout the process. There are several ways for parents and community members to get involved...

VCUSD administrators will meet with staff bargaining units after the board decision on Feb. 19 to discuss the effects and impacts of school closures and criteria for staff allocations.

The district is facing challenges that require it to make difficult decisions, including...

Will lottery applications (opting into another VCUSD school) be allowed/accepted during the remainder of 2024?

The lottery window is open now, and will close on May 2, 2025, at 5 p.m.

The Board of Education will review and vote on the new school boundaries in March.

No. Class sizes are negotiated with our certificated union, Vallejo Education Association.

School leaders and staff will collaborate to ensure that all necessary support and resources are in place for incoming students.

We are committed to working closely with campus leaders and staff to ensure all necessary support and resources are in place for incoming students.

We are committed to working with campus leaders and staff to ensure special education students receive the necessary support and resources during the transition.

The District will collaborate with campus leaders and staff to ensure adequate support and resources for incoming students, including Expanded Learning.

Students will continue to receive the same or enhanced programs, services, and support at their new school, including before and after-school care through the Expanded Learning Program.

VCUSD is focused on making this transition as smooth as possible with minimal disruption. We will continue working closely with school site leaders and district office staff to address any concerns and provide students and families with access to support services.

We are evaluating building possibilities, considering factors like efficiency and facility conditions.

The District delayed school closures due to the influx of temporary COVID relief funds in 2021, which helped offset the financial strain. However, these funds were fully exhausted at the end of the 2023-24 fiscal year.

The budget shortfall is largely due to a significant decline in student enrollment. VCUSD has too many schools for the number of students it serves, compounded by a steady loss of students to charter schools, families moving out of the area, and lower birth rates.

The decision to consolidate campuses is based on evaluating multiple factors, including student enrollment, facility utilization, and overall budget constraints.

Yes, the decision is final.

The Board of Education decided to close schools at the recommendation of VCUSD staff. The discussion about closing and consolidating schools has occurred since April 2023.

Yes, special education services outlined in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) will continue at their new school. The District is committed to ensuring no disruption in services for special education students.

Yes, specialized programs, including Expanded Learning after-school programs, will continue. If a school housing a specialized program is closed, that program will move to a nearby school where students are reassigned, ensuring uninterrupted access to these services.

If your school is impacted, we will contact you with your options and next steps. Your students' transition to their new school is our priority. We are working diligently to ensure a fair and transparent process and will continue to update you on our progress.

The decision to close and consolidate specific school sites was not made lightly. The district carefully considered multiple factors, including the condition of school facilities, financial sustainability, and—most importantly—the impact on student learning.