VCUSD Board Reaffirms Closure of Three Elementary Schools Following Public Revote

VALLEJO, Calif. — The Vallejo City Unified School District Board of Trustees unanimously voted to close Lincoln, Highland, and Pennycook Elementary Schools at the end of the 2025–26 school year. Students currently enrolled at these schools will be reassigned to neighboring VCUSD campuses, with the district working closely with families to ensure a smooth transition and appropriate placement for every student.

The vote was part of a "cure and correct" process aimed at addressing Brown Act compliance concerns from Dec. 17, 2025. The Board rescinded previous actions, re-agendized the item, and held a public vote to ensure full transparency and reinforce public confidence.

“We must be transparent, follow the law, and act in our students’ best interests,” VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio said. “Our North Star remains the same: how we best serve our students. The recent uncertainty has been difficult for families and staff, and by revisiting this vote in public, we are providing clarity and reaffirming a decision that allows our school communities to move forward.”

VCUSD recognizes this decision is deeply personal and emotional for students, families, and staff. The district remains committed to supporting everyone through the transition with counseling, celebrations, and individualized assistance.

Campus closures are a key step in VCUSD’s multi-year plan to address a $32 million deficit, driven by declining enrollment, rising costs, and the expiration of pandemic relief funding. By aligning school sites with current enrollment, the district is strengthening its ability to deliver consistent, high-quality services to students.

The school closure recommendations followed months of public engagement beginning in the summer of 2025. The process included input from the 7-11 Committee, an Equity Impact Analysis, Board study sessions, surveys, staff meetings, and community town halls in English and Spanish.

VCUSD is restructuring schools to match enrollment, stabilize finances, and provide quality instruction for all students.

The district will continue updating the school closure webpage with up-to-date meeting recordings, FAQs, timelines, and planning resources.