VCUSD Celebrates $23.8 Million Renovation of Jesse Bethel High School Athletic Fields

VALLEJO, Calif. — Vallejo City Unified School District leaders, community members, and project partners gathered Wednesday at Jesse Bethel High School for a ceremonial groundbreaking marking the renovation of the school’s athletic fields.

The $23.8 million construction initiative is funded through Measure S and by funds generated by Community Facilities District No. 2 (CFD No. 2).

Vallejo voters graciously approved Measure S in November 2018, authorizing $194 million in general obligation bonds to acquire, construct, renovate, furnish, and equip district school facilities. Work funded through Measure S began across VCUSD in the summer of 2020.

CFD No. 2 was a Mello-Roos financing district established to support school facilities in Vallejo’s northeast quadrant, primarily the Hiddenbrooke and Northgate areas, as new residential development occurred. It was funded through special taxes paid by property owners within the district’s boundaries—not by all Vallejo property owners.

Jesse Bethel High School opened in the fall of 1998. This renovation represents one of the first major bond-funded improvement projects at the campus since it opened, marking a significant investment in the school after nearly three decades.

The project includes new synthetic turf for the football, soccer, baseball, and softball fields; a new track surface; new bleachers and scoreboards; and a new restroom facility.

Although construction began in July 2026, the ceremony provided an opportunity to recognize the progress underway and celebrate the community investment supporting the project.

“Our students deserve facilities that reflect the pride we have in them and support the opportunities we want them to have,” Superintendent Rubén Aurelio said. “This investment is for our students. We want them to have spaces where they can challenge themselves, discover their strengths, and take pride in being part of the Jesse Bethel community.”

Aurelio also thanked the Vallejo voters who supported Measure S and the property owners whose contributions through CFD No. 2 are helping make the project possible.

“With that support comes our responsibility to be thoughtful stewards of these resources,” Aurelio said. “We must use them carefully, transparently, and in ways that provide meaningful and lasting benefits for students.”

Board President Glenn Amboy spoke about his family’s personal connection to Jesse Bethel. His family includes Jesse Bethel graduates, and one of his children is currently attending the school and is expected to graduate with the Class of 2027.

“This campus is much more than a school to me. It is part of my family’s story—both our past and our present,” Amboy said. “As a board member, I am proud to support this investment. As the parent of Jesse Bethel graduates and a current student, I am deeply grateful to see this campus continue to grow and serve new generations of Vallejo families.”

QKA Architects designed the project, Alten Construction is performing the construction work, and Greystone West is serving as the district’s construction manager, helping coordinate the project team and monitor the work, schedule, budget, and quality on VCUSD’s behalf. Initial work has included demolition, site clearing, and utility locating. Final completion is scheduled for fall 2027.

VCUSD plans to invite the Jesse Bethel community back for a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony when the project is complete.