Vallejo City Unified School District Announces Formation of 7-11 Committee to Evaluate School Closures and Consolidation

VALLEJO, Calif. — In response to a significant and ongoing decline in student enrollment, the Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) has formed a 7-11 committee to evaluate potential school closures and consolidations. This step is part of the district's effort to ensure long-term financial stability and deliver high-quality education to all students.

Since the 2018-19 school year, VCUSD has experienced a 21 percent decrease in student enrollment—a trend driven by rising housing costs, smaller family sizes, and increased educational options. These changes have left the district with more school sites than students, necessitating a careful review of how to best use its facilities.

The newly formed 7-11 committee, named after the requirement that it have between seven and eleven members, will play a crucial role in this process. The committee evaluates the district's real property assets, including the potential closure and consolidation of specific school sites. This evaluation will focus on schools identified based on criteria such as enrollment numbers, proximity to other schools, and facility conditions.

Key responsibilities of the 7-11 committee include:

• Reviewing School Enrollment Data: Assessing current and projected enrollment figures to identify surplus school sites.

• Engaging the Community: Ensuring that the broader community's perspectives are heard and considered in decision-making.

• Recommending Actions: Making informed recommendations to the VCUSD Board of Education on the best use of the district's real property assets, including possible closures, consolidations, and repurposing of facilities.

"The formation of the 7-11 committee is necessary to address the challenges posed by declining enrollment," Superintendent of Vallejo City Unified School District Rubén Aurelio said. "We are committed to making decisions that reflect the best interests of our students, families, and community while maintaining the fiscal health of our district."

As California Education Code Section 17389 mandates, the 7-11 committee will comprise diverse community members, including parents, educators, and local business representatives. This structure ensures that the committee's recommendations will be well-rounded and represent the community's needs.

VCUSD invites all interested community members to apply for a position on the 7-11 Committee. Applications are available in Spanish and English and must be submitted by Thursday, Sept. 5.

For more information or to apply, please visit vcusd.org for application forms and additional details.

About Vallejo City Unified School District:

Vallejo City Unified School District serves over 9,900 students across 20 schools, including two comprehensive high schools, an alternative school, an adult school, and an independent charter. Our mission is to support academic achievement by providing high-quality education and fostering a supportive and inclusive community for all students.