Vallejo City Unified Superintendent Rubén Aurelio Named California School Public Relations Association “Superintendent to Watch”

SAN JOSE, Calif. — On Friday, March 13, 2026, the California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) named Rubén Aurelio, Superintendent of the Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD), a 2026 Superintendent to Watch. The award recognizes California superintendents who demonstrate exceptional leadership in communication while fostering trust, transparency, and meaningful collaboration with students, staff, families, and the communities they serve.

Aurelio received the recognition for his work strengthening communication and community engagement during a period of significant change for VCUSD.

The recognition comes as the district marked its return to full local control on June 30, 2025, after nearly two decades under state receivership, while also implementing school closures to stabilize the district’s finances.

District leaders said Aurelio emphasized proactive communication throughout these transitions to ensure the community remained informed and engaged.

Through the district’s “Roadmap to Rightsizing” initiative, VCUSD used multiple communication channels to explain district finances and gather feedback. Outreach efforts included five community town halls — including one conducted entirely in Spanish — a dedicated webpage that received more than 14,000 views, livestreamed meetings on YouTube and anonymous feedback opportunities such as the district’s “Straight from the Ship” platform.

Colleagues who nominated Aurelio for the award cited his direct involvement in district communications and his support of the communications team.

“Superintendent Aurelio exemplifies leadership that values openness and collaboration,” said Celina Baguiao, VCUSD director of communications. “He supports the communications office in meaningful ways and recognizes that clear, consistent storytelling helps rebuild trust with our community.”

Heather Topacio, assistant superintendent of educational services, said Aurelio has helped elevate the district’s communication standards internally and externally.

“Superintendent Aurelio is not just managing a district; he is leading a transformation toward fiscal stability and community-centered progress,” Topacio said. “He actively models strong communication practices and emphasizes accessible, ADA-compliant and professionally branded communications across the organization.”

Equity remains a central pillar of Aurelio’s leadership. He established the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council to ensure student perspectives help inform district decisions and supported the inclusion of student trustees on the Board of Education. He has also expanded outreach to the district’s diverse community through initiatives such as the “Uniendo Voces” Spanish-language community forum and multilingual “Know Your Rights” resources for immigrant families.

Aurelio has shared the district’s communication strategies at national and statewide conferences, including the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) and the California Latino School Boards Association (CLSBA).

“Superintendent Aurelio exemplifies courageous leadership rooted in transparency and trust,” said Jessica Hull, Immediate Past President of CalSPRA. “By inviting the community into difficult conversations and keeping students at the center of every decision, he has demonstrated how strong communication can help guide a district through complex change while rebuilding confidence in public education.”

In response to the recognition, Aurelio emphasized that effective leadership depends on collaboration.

“While my name is on the award, high-functioning systems are never the result of a single individual,” Aurelio said. “In public education, leadership is an exercise in collective discipline. In Vallejo, we are focused on building trust through transparency and creating a foundation for long-term success.”

Aurelio was recognized during the CalSPRA Annual Awards Gala on March 13, 2026, in San Jose, where school communications professionals from across California gathered to celebrate excellence in public education communications.

About CalSPRA 

The California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) is a nationally recognized leader in school communications with a membership of more than 850. Members represent schools, school districts, and county offices of all sizes, ranging from the largest urban districts to those located in remote areas serving one or two schools, as well as other professionals in the field of education. CalSPRA provides connections, resources, and collaboration to support and inspire school communicators.

About Vallejo City Unified School District

The Vallejo City Unified School District serves the city of Vallejo and a diverse community of more than 9,600 students across its 18 schools. The district is committed to providing a high-quality, equitable education that prepares every student for college, career, and lifelong success.