VCUSD Shares Progress on Former Grant School Cleanup and Community Engagement

VALLEJO, Calif. — Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) continues to make progress toward the cleanup of the former Grant School property while working closely with public agencies and engaging with the South Vallejo community following the May 24, 2026, fire at the long-vacant campus.

On Monday evening, July 13, 2026, district representatives joined local elected officials, city staff and community members at the second South Vallejo Community Meeting hosted by South Vallejo Community Advocates at Emmanuel Temple Apostolic Church. The meeting provided an opportunity for residents to receive updates, ask questions and hear directly from agencies involved in the response and future planning for the property.

Representing VCUSD were Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Rubén Fernández and Executive Director of Operations Marin Trujillo Cuevas, who shared updates on the district's response and answered questions from community members. VCUSD Governing Board Trustee Dean Hodges also attended to listen to residents' concerns and feedback.

Other officials in attendance included Vallejo City Councilmember Helen-Marie Gordon, Interim City Manager Harry Black, ​Vallejo Fire Department Chief Jonathan Goulding, ​Henry Morris of the City of Vallejo Code Enforcement Division, and Tony Stewart from the Office of Solano County Supervisor Cassandra James.

"We appreciate the opportunity to meet directly with our neighbors and answer questions about the work ahead," Fernández said. "Our goal is to be transparent throughout this process while ensuring the property is cleaned up safely, responsibly and in accordance with all environmental and regulatory requirements."

VCUSD is also pleased to share that ambient and perimeter air monitoring conducted around the former Grant School property between July 8 and July 10 found no detectable airborne asbestos fibers or other airborne fibers in any of the samples collected. The results confirm that air quality around the site remains safe.

The district is scheduled to present a contract for emergency site cleanup to the VCUSD Governing Board during a special meeting on July 15. Approval of the contract will allow the district to move forward with remediation once the Vallejo Fire Department and Vallejo Police Department complete their investigation and formally release the property.

Until that time, the district continues to maintain security measures at the site. Temporary fencing surrounds the property, and security personnel remain on site to deter unauthorized access and help protect neighboring homes and businesses.

Although the former Grant School has been closed since 1989, the property remains an important part of Vallejo's history. The district recognizes that many community members have personal connections to the campus and understands the concerns raised following the fire.

"Grant School holds a special place in the hearts of many Vallejo families," Superintendent Rubén Aurelio said. "We are committed to keeping our community informed as this work moves forward and to ensuring the site is addressed in a way that prioritizes public safety while honoring the history of the neighborhood."

The district also continues to evaluate security measures at other vacant district-owned properties and assess additional safeguards where appropriate.

VCUSD will continue providing updates as cleanup efforts progress and additional information becomes available.