VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio Named CALSA Northern California Superintendent of the Year

VALLEJO, Calif. — Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) Superintendent Rubén Aurelio was named the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) Northern California Superintendent of the Year at the organization's Summer Institute on June 26, 2026. The statewide honor recognizes exceptional educational leaders whose work advances equity, strengthens communities and expands opportunities for students across California.

Earlier this year, Aurelio was recognized as CALSA's Region 1 Superintendent of the Year before being selected from among regional recipients statewide for the organization's highest superintendent honor.

The recognition is especially meaningful for Vallejo City Unified, where a majority of students identify as Latino and where Aurelio, himself a Latino educator, has focused on building a school system grounded in equity, fiscal responsibility, transparency and student success. CALSA is dedicated to developing and advancing Latino educational leaders committed to strengthening public education and creating equitable opportunities for California's students.

"True leadership is never a solitary endeavor; it is the manifestation of a community's collective commitment to its own," Aurelio said. "I am deeply humbled to receive this recognition from an organization that champions equity and high-quality leadership for all students. This recognition is not a personal milestone, but a validation of the hard work our teachers, staff and Board of Education perform every day to ensure every student has a pathway to success."

During his tenure, Aurelio has led efforts to strengthen the district's financial stability, improve organizational systems and increase transparency while maintaining a focus centered on equitable student outcomes. His leadership has emphasized responsible stewardship, strategic planning and innovation to ensure VCUSD remains well-positioned to serve students for years to come.

"Leadership in education requires a delicate balance of strategic systems thinking and deep, human-centered empathy," Aurelio said. "It involves making the difficult fiscal choices necessary to protect the classroom while fostering an environment where innovation can take root."

CALSA's annual Honoring Our Own program recognizes outstanding educational leaders throughout California whose work exemplifies excellence in leadership, service and advocacy for students and families. Each year, the organization honors regional leaders in several categories before selecting one statewide recipient in each.

“Superintendent Rubén Aurelio’s selection as our Northern California Superintendent of the Year aligns with the purpose of this award and the impact of his leadership. We’re proud to honor a leader who continues to make a meaningful difference for students and families,” CALSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Jessica Ochoa, M.Ed., shared.

"Superintendent Aurelio's leadership has helped guide our district through significant transformation while keeping students at the center of every decision," said VCUSD Governing Board President Glenn Amboy. "His commitment to educational equity, thoughtful governance and long-term sustainability has strengthened our district and positioned VCUSD for continued success. We are proud to see his leadership recognized across California."

Aurelio said the recognition ultimately belongs to the entire Vallejo community.

"I want to express my gratitude to the CALSA Familia for this recognition and for their tireless advocacy on behalf of Latino leaders and the students we serve," Aurelio said. "To my colleagues in VCUSD, this award belongs to Vallejo. It is a testament to what we can achieve when we align our governance with our values and keep our promises to our community.

"As we look forward, let this serve as a reminder that the work of transformation is ongoing. We must continue to lead with transparency, govern with integrity and never lose sight of the equity-driven mission that calls us to this profession."