Vallejo, August 1, 2025
News Summary
The Vallejo City Unified School District’s 7-11 Committee has prioritized the closure of Lincoln Elementary School among several others facing possible consolidation. During the public hearing, community members voiced their concerns regarding the impact of closures on education, especially in low-income areas. With a projected enrollment of only 96 students, Lincoln is deemed at the highest risk. The committee’s recommendations will be discussed further in an upcoming meeting, and final decisions are expected in December.
Vallejo – The Vallejo City Unified School District’s 7-11 Committee has recommended the closure of Lincoln Elementary School as its top priority among seven schools facing potential closure or consolidation. This decision was reached during the committee’s third meeting earlier this week, which included a legally mandated public hearing where approximately 20 community members expressed their views.
The list of schools identified for possible closure or consolidation also includes Steffan Manor, Pennycook, Federal Terrace Elementary, John Finney Education Complex, Cooper Elementary, and Highland Elementary, with Lincoln being deemed the most at-risk.
Principal Sue Kelly and Expanded Learning Coordinator Diane Flowers defended Lincoln Elementary during the public comments session, emphasizing the school’s vital role and its unique demographic makeup in a low-income area. The projected enrollment for Lincoln Elementary stands at a mere 96 students for the upcoming school year, making it the smallest school on the closure list.
Flowers remarked that the closure of Lincoln would have significant negative implications for attendance and would eliminate a crucial educational support system for children who rely on the school for hope. Kelly expressed concern over the potential threat to Lincoln’s successful literacy program, which has improved student scores substantially over recent years.
The committee has suggested keeping Lincoln’s successful literacy program intact, with a possibility of relocating it if Lincoln is closed. Additionally, the programs at the John Finney Education Complex may be moved, and the consolidation of Steffan Manor students into Pennycook has been proposed.
Schools categorized as “surplus” by the committee include Federal Terrace, John Finney, Cooper, and Highland, allowing the district to lease, sell, or repurpose these locations in the future. Public comments demonstrated considerable support for keeping Cooper and Federal Terrace operational, prompting some committee members to rethink their closure rankings.
Final recommendations from the 7-11 Committee will be discussed at an upcoming meeting scheduled for August 11. Community members impacted by these potential changes, particularly from Lincoln Elementary, are encouraged to participate in this discussion. Vallejo City Unified School District Superintendent Rubén Aurelio clarified that no final decisions will be made until December, and that the committee’s recommendations will be taken into account during future meetings.
The district has experienced a significant decline in enrollment over the past several years, shrinking from around 18,000 students in 2004 to roughly 9,656 last year. As part of efforts to maintain financial stability, the district aims to close three additional schools. Superintendent Aurelio has identified Lincoln, Pennycook, and Cooper as potential priorities for closure, reflecting declining enrollment figures and projected annual savings of $300,000, $600,000, and $450,000, respectively.
District officials have raised concerns regarding ongoing declines in student numbers, highlighting the need for substantial budget cuts to remain solvent. Aurelio mentioned that the goal of closures or consolidations goes beyond financial relief, seeking instead to improve educational services and attract new enrollments.
FAQ Section
What schools are recommended for closure in the Vallejo City Unified School District?
The 7-11 Committee has recommended the closure of Lincoln Elementary School as well as the consolidation or closure of Steffan Manor, Pennycook, Federal Terrace Elementary, John Finney Education Complex, Cooper Elementary, and Highland Elementary.
What is the projected enrollment for Lincoln Elementary?
Lincoln Elementary is projected to have an enrollment of 96 students for the upcoming school year, making it the smallest school on the recommendation list.
When will final decisions regarding school closures be made?
Final decisions regarding school closures will not be made until December, after discussions and recommendations from the 7-11 Committee have been considered during meetings in the coming months.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Recommended School for Closure | Lincoln Elementary |
| Other Schools Considered | Steffan Manor, Pennycook, Federal Terrace, John Finney, Cooper, and Highland |
| Projected Enrollment at Lincoln | 96 students |
| Date for Final Recommendations Discussion | August 11 |
| Timeline for Final Decisions | December |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Times Herald Online: Lincoln Elementary Closure
- Vallejo Sun: School Closures
- Kron4: Vallejo School Closures
- Vallejo Sun: School Closure Plans
- Times Herald Online: End of School Era
- Wikipedia: California
- Google Search: Vallejo education system
- Google Scholar: Vallejo school closures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
- Google News: Vallejo school district
