Board Brief: June 24, 2026

VALLEJO, Calif. - Here are key takeaways from Wednesday night's VCUSD Regular Board of Education meeting. View the meeting agenda.

Student Trustee Recognized for Year of Service

The Vallejo City Unified School District recognized Student Trustee Sonia Valdez Jacobo of Vallejo High School for her dedicated service on the Board of Education during the 2025–26 school year. After being unable to attend last week's recognition ceremony, Valdez Jacobo was honored for her leadership, advocacy and commitment to representing student voices. She reflected on the opportunities the role provided and shared her plans to continue serving her community while pursuing a degree in political science.

Revised High School Graduation Requirements

Revisions to the district's high school graduation requirements were approved, aligning district policy with current best practices. The updated policy establishes timelines for new graduation requirements, including Ethnic Studies for the graduating Class of 2030 and Personal Finance for the graduating Class of 2031. The revisions also ensure all students entering high school have a full four years to complete required coursework.

New High School Mathematics Curriculum

Following a public hearing last week, the Board approved the adoption of Amplify Desmos Math as the new instructional curriculum for Integrated Math 1, 2 and 3. The curriculum was selected after a yearlong review and pilot process involving all district high school math teachers. The adoption also includes instructional materials designed to strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving and support for multilingual learners.

2026-27 District Budget and LCAP Approved

The Board approved the 2026–27 budgets and Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) for both VCUSD and Vallejo Charter School. These annual plans guide the allocation of resources to support student success while maintaining the district's long-term fiscal stability.

The adopted LCAP furthers the district's focus on improving student outcomes through investments in academic achievement, student wellness, family engagement and workforce development, with particular attention to supporting low-income students, English learners and foster youth. District leaders noted that the budget reflects significant progress toward fiscal stability while continuing to address challenges such as declining enrollment and increasing special education costs.

Summer Hiring Resolution

To support staffing efforts during the summer recess, the Board approved a resolution temporarily authorizing the superintendent to hire certificated and classified employees before the next regularly scheduled board meeting in August. The action allows the district to remain competitive in recruiting qualified candidates and ensures schools are appropriately staffed for the start of the 2026–27 school year. All hires made during the summer will be presented to the Board at its next regular meeting.

District Leaders Recognized

The Board recognized two VCUSD employees following their appointments to new leadership roles. George Tisby was introduced in his new position as operations director II, supporting student safety and facilities, while Donyae Tilson was recognized as the district's new director of transportation. Both leaders shared their appreciation for the opportunity to continue serving Vallejo students and families.

Arts, Music and Instructional Materials Grant Plan

The Board approved the district's final spending plan for the state Arts, Music and Instructional Materials Discretionary Block Grant. The grant funds new instructional materials for high school math, science and world languages, and operational investments that helped maintain safe, in-person instruction following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Action Taken on Executive Employment Agreements

The Board approved a contractual salary step increase of three percent for the Superintendent following a satisfactory performance evaluation for the 2025–26 school year. This provision was negotiated as part of the Superintendent’s existing employment agreement. Similar step increases are available to certificated and classified employees through established salary schedules based on years of service and experience. The Board also approved a contract extension that extends the Superintendent’s contract by one year under an evergreen clause.

Additionally, the Board approved an employment agreement for a promotion to Chief Communications and Community Engagement Officer from Director of Communications for Celina Baguiao, aligning the position with other members of the superintendent's executive cabinet.

In separate actions, the Board approved two-year extensions for Assistant Superintendents Heather Topacio, Rubén Fernández and Matt Chamberlain, taking them each to a three-year contract. District leaders clarified during the meeting that the assistant superintendent contract extensions did not include salary increases.

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