Board Brief: Feb. 25, 2026

Planning the Future of District Facilities

In Nov. 2018, Vallejo voters passed Measure S, a $194 million bond for the Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) to fund the acquisition, construction, renovations, furnishing, and equipping of school facilities. In recent years, Measure S bond funds have focused on critical repairs, including roof replacements, HVAC upgrades, ADA improvements and restroom renovations. With many urgent infrastructure needs addressed, district leaders are shifting toward long-term modernization. Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Rubén Fernández, shared where the district has been, where it is now and where it is going.

Representatives from QKA Architects outlined the process for updating the district’s Facilities Master Plan, which must be refreshed every five years to maintain eligibility for state funding. The updated plan will assess current campus conditions and identify priorities for future improvements, including modern learning spaces, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) and career technical education facilities, and athletic upgrades. The process will include site committees, surveys and community forums, with a draft plan expected later this year.

Measure S and State Funding Details

April Thompson of King Consulting reported that since 2000, VCUSD has secured more than $127 million in state matching funds, leveraging approximately $111 million in local dollars. The district currently has applications in progress projected to generate an additional $55 million in state funding between 2026 and 2031.

Director of Facilities and Bond Valezka Emes shared that Measure S projects have resulted in approximately $3.3 million in savings returned to the bond program through careful project management. Recent and ongoing work includes modernization of the Hogan Middle School auditorium, roofing and HVAC upgrades across campuses and the upcoming installation of synthetic turf at Jesse Bethel High School.

Funds for Measure S bond and state facilities dollars are restricted. By law, these funds may only be used for construction, safety and modernization projects and cannot be used for salaries or general operating expenses.

Campus Safety Enhancements

Director of Safety and Custodial Services George Tisby outlined safety improvements underway, including replacing aging alarm systems with modern wireless systems, expanding camera monitoring, strengthening campus access control and reinforcing electrical infrastructure to deter copper theft. The district is also piloting new interior classroom door-locking mechanisms and continuing coordination with the Vallejo Police Department to address vandalism and after-hours security concerns.

Workforce Housing Discussion

Trustees held a preliminary discussion about exploring workforce housing on surplus district property as a strategy to support recruitment and retention in a high-cost housing market. No action was taken, but staff will continue researching potential models and partnerships.