VCUSD Insider

Dear VCUSD Community,

As we approach the final weeks of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished and share what lies ahead as we finish strong together.

This year has been marked by remarkable achievements across our schools—from academic growth to expanded extracurricular opportunities, increased family engagement, and continued resilience among our students, staff, and families. There is much to celebrate, and as we look ahead to next year, I am filled with pride and optimism for what our district will continue to achieve.

In the coming weeks, we will gather to honor student milestones and the heart of our community. Our commencement ceremonies mark an important transition for our graduating seniors. We look forward to recognizing their hard work and welcoming them into the next chapter of their journeys.

We’re also hosting several meaningful events that reflect our commitment to equity and inclusion, including “Uniendo Voces: Empoderando Familias Latinas en VCUSD”, a gathering that will bring Spanish-speaking families together to strengthen partnerships and build community. In addition, our Reclassification Ceremony will honor the many multilingual learners who have met the rigorous criteria to be reclassified as fluent English proficient, another celebration of perseverance and achievement.

At the same time, we acknowledge the emotional weight of the year’s end, especially for the students, families, and staff of Mare Island Health and Fitness Academy and Loma Vista Environmental Science Academy, which will close their doors after this school year. We understand the deep connections and memories that these schools hold for many, and we recognize the sadness and sense of loss that come with this transition. We remain committed to supporting each individual impacted by this change and honoring the legacy of these school communities.

Let us finish this year with gratitude, unity, and purpose. I encourage all of us to continue showing up for one another, whether in the classroom, on the playground, at end-of-year events, or in our conversations about the future. Our unity and support for each other are the pillars of our community, and they will guide us through the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.

Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. Your contributions, big and small, have made a significant difference in our school community. We are grateful for your support and look forward to continuing this journey together.

Rubén Aurelio

Superintendent

Vallejo City Unified School District

El Distrito Escolar Unificado de la Ciudad de Vallejo (VCUSD) se complace en invitar a las familias latinas a un evento especial, Uniendo voces: empoderando a familias latinas en VCUSD, el miércoles, 28 de mayo de 2025, de 5:30-7:00 p.m. El evento se llevará a cabo en el Gimnasio de la Escuela Vallejo Charter (2833 Tennessee Street, Vallejo, CA 94591).

La reunión, liderada por el Superintendente de VCUSD Rubén Aurelio, ofrecerá un espacio seguro y acogedor para que compartan sus experiencias, preocupaciones, e ideas con respecto a la educación en VCUSD. El objetivo es empoderar a las familias latinas al brindarles oportunidades para participar en un diálogo significativo, conocer los recursos disponibles, y ayudarnos a dar forma al futuro de la educación en el distrito. Leer más.

The Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) is excited to invite Latino families to a special event, Uniting Voices: Empowering Latino Families in VCUSD, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. The event will occur at Vallejo Charter School Gymnasium (2833 Tennessee Street, Vallejo, CA 94591).

The gathering, led by VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio, will offer a safe and welcoming space for families to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas regarding education in VCUSD. The goal is to empower Latino families by providing opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue, learn about available resources, and help shape the future of education in the district. Read more.

Thank you to everyone who helped make our three‑day Safe Start to School Days initiative a success. From April 23–25, Vallejo Police Department officers partnered with VCUSD staff to greet families at Patterson, Lincoln, and Loma Vista during the busy 8:00–8:45 a.m. drop‑off window, slowing traffic, guiding pedestrians, and reminding drivers to follow posted rules. Their visible presence curbed speeding and unsafe parking, while students and families said they felt safer crossing streets and entering campus. We appreciate the collaboration of VPD school staff and administrators, and—most importantly—our parents and guardians for modeling safe habits. Together, we showed how a focused community effort can create a calmer, more secure start to every school day.

The Vallejo City Unified School District named Rubén Fernández its new Assistant Superintendent of Business Services and Operations. Fernández brings extensive experience in school district finance, operational leadership, and strategic planning to the role.

As Assistant Superintendent, Fernández will oversee the district’s financial and business operations, including the bond program, ensuring fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency, and providing safe, clean, and appropriate facilities, learning environments, and transportation services to enhance student achievement. His leadership will be critical in managing resources that support student learning and maintain the district’s economic health. Read more.

At its April 16 study session, the VCUSD Board of Education opened discussion on phase 2 of the District’s school closure and consolidation plan. Based on the Board’s guidance, District staff were directed to:

• Convene a new 7‑11 Committee to evaluate any campuses that might be designated as surplus;

• Compile a comprehensive list of potential school closures for inclusion in an Equity Impact Analysis (EIA); and

• Launch the EIA to assess how closures affect students, families, and communities district‑wide.

California Education Code §17389 requires VCUSD to form an independent “7-11 Committee” of seven to eleven community members—reflecting parents, staff, taxpayers, seniors, business and civic leaders—to study any district real estate that could be declared surplus and recommend whether each site should be kept, leased, sold or repurposed. VCUSD is seeking civic-minded volunteers who represent the city’s diversity and can take a district-wide perspective to help maximize the value of under-used properties and keep student success at the center of decisions.

Members must commit to roughly four evening meetings plus preparation time. Applications are available in English and Spanish on the district’s 7-11 Committee web page—are due via online form, email (rightsize@vcusd.org) or in-person delivery by 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 27. Staff will review submissions for diversity and availability, and the Board of Education will appoint the committee at its June 4 meeting. For details or FAQs, visit the 7-11 Committee webpage or email rightsize@vcusd.org.

The last several months have brought feelings of uncertainty to public education and our community—our neighbors, students, and ourselves. Some students, families, staff, and community members feel afraid and at risk. They worry about immigration status, how they will be treated based on their gender identity, job security, access to supportive services, or personal health. We will not allow fear to stop us from being the district we are.

Our communications team created a new webpage that shares resources, including multilingual “Know Your Rights” cards. This site is regularly updated with resources for our local communities. The district is also seeking additional resources, information, and guidance from the state education department. Read more.

Dr. Ana Maria Farina’s journey began right here in Vallejo and in the Vallejo City Unified School District, where she built the foundation that led her to a lifelong career in education and community advocacy. A proud Vallejo High School Class of 1999 graduate, she remembers the teachers, mentors, and experiences that shaped her into the leader she is today. From her time at Elsa Widenmann, Loma Vista, and Solano Junior High to earning her doctorate and serving in leadership roles at Vacaville Unified School District, Dr. Farina reflects on her VCUSD roots, the educators who inspired her and her passion for empowering the next generation. Learn more about her.

Join us at the VCUSD Job Fair on Thursday, May 29, at the District Office (665 Walnut Ave.) and step straight into opportunity—interviews will be conducted on the spot. The potential for immediate job offers means you could walk away with a new position the same day. Bring a few copies of your résumé and best first impression, and discover how to grow your career while serving Vallejo’s students and community. Explore our current job openings on our website and details on our competitive benefits. We’re excited to meet you and welcome you to the VCUSD family!

We’re excited to share that VCUSD is now using Peachjar, a secure digital flyer platform that puts school and community information at your fingertips. There’s nothing you need to do to sign up—if your email is current in Aeries, you’ll automatically receive Peachjar flyers; just check with the front office to be sure your contact information is up to date. Instead of sending home stacks of paper, Peachjar delivers colorful, interactive flyers straight to your email and the Peachjar portal, so you can view event details, enrichment opportunities, and essential updates on any device—whenever it’s convenient. This eco‑friendly switch helps us save resources, ensures you never miss an announcement, and makes it easier to sign up for programs with just a click. Welcome to simpler, greener, and more connected communication! For more information, visit our Peachjar website.

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665 Walnut Ave, Vallejo, CA 94592 | 707-556-8921 | www.vcusd.org

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