VCUSD Announces New Principals for Cooper and Wardlaw Elementary Schools

VALLEJO, Calif. — The Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) has announced the appointments of two new elementary school principals for the 2026-27 school year. Anita Summerlin will lead Cooper Elementary School, and Mary Claire Gatmaitan-Delgado will oversee Wardlaw Elementary School.

These appointments reflect VCUSD’s ongoing commitment to ensuring every school is managed by experienced, student-centered educators who are dedicated to academic excellence, equity, and strong partnerships with families and staff.

Summerlin brings a strong record of instructional leadership, student achievement, and community-centered school improvement, and has more than 22 years of experience in education. 

Throughout her career, Summerlin has served as a principal, assistant principal, and instructional coach, and as a teacher across the Bay Area. She is recognized for building strong school cultures, developing collaborative teams, and leading initiatives that have resulted in measurable academic growth and improved student outcomes. She most recently served as a literacy instructional coach in Alexandria City Public Schools. 

A former social worker, Summerlin brings a compassionate, relationship-centered approach to leadership and is committed to creating safe, inclusive, and academically rigorous learning environments where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Summerlin holds two master’s degrees in social work and elementary education. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership and has completed the Urban Superintendents Academy at the University of Southern California and the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Turnaround Leaders Program.

Gatmaitan-Delgado has more than 20 years of experience in public education. She has served as a teacher, bilingual instructor, assistant principal, principal designee, and Human Resources leader.

Gatmaitan-Delgado brings extensive expertise in special education, multilingual learner success, and equitable instructional systems, with a strong focus on high-quality teaching and inclusive practices.

Committed to building strong relationships and maintaining high expectations for all students, Gatmaitan-Delgado looks forward to partnering with the Wardlaw community to ensure every student thrives academically and socially.

She holds two master’s degrees in special education from San Francisco State University and in educational leadership from the University of San Francisco.

“As we continue strengthening our schools, effective leadership at every campus is essential,” Superintendent Rubén Aurelio said. “Summerlin and Gatmaitan-Delgado each bring a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to students, and a clear vision for supporting school communities. We are excited to welcome them into these important roles.”

The new principals will play a key role in advancing VCUSD’s goals of improving student outcomes, fostering positive school cultures, and ensuring every student has access to a high-quality educational experience.