Monthly Archives: September 2025

Hundreds of Vallejo students are homeless, with few shelter options – Vallejo Sun

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Homelessness is widespread among Vallejo public school students, but a lack of shelter options for families and children can make it difficult for them to learn or show up to school.

Data from the Vallejo City Unified School District show that 714 of its 9,653 students, or more than one in every 14 students, were recorded as experiencing some form of homelessness at some point during last school year. Of those, 504 were recorded as not having housing of their own and instead living “doubled up” with friends or extended family, 111 lived in hotels or motels, 65 were unsheltered, and 34 lived in transitional shelters.

Source: Hundreds of Vallejo students are homeless, with few shelter options

Vallejo schools set to raise rates for substitute teachers – Times Herald Online

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The Vallejo City Unified School District voted unanimously earlier this month to approve higher pay rates for substitute teachers. For daily, long-term, and credentialed retiree substitutes, the daily rate has been bumped anywhere from $45 to $70, depending on classification.

“We are thrilled for the opportunity to provide the highest wage for substitute teachers in Solano County,” said Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Matt Chamberlain. “And we’re thrilled to provide our community another opportunity to support our kids.”

Source: Vallejo schools set to raise rates for substitute teachers – Times Herald Online

New Fairfield-Suisun schools app tracks buses | dailyrepublic.com

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A new app allows parents to track, in real time, their children’s school buses.

The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District launched the EZ-A2B app this week.

“We understand that knowing the precise location and timing of a school bus is vital for our families’ peace of mind and daily routines,” district Superintendent Jennifer Sachs said in a statement. “The EZ A2B Parent App delivers on our promise to enhance communication and provides an invaluable layer of transparency and convenience.”

Source: New Fairfield-Suisun schools app tracks buses | News | dailyrepublic.com

Spending plan for arts and music, and a meat contract on VUSD agenda – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

A proposed spending plan for arts and music funding, appointments to the School Attendance Review Board, a six-figure contract with an area meat company, and the sale of certificates to refinance lease payments are on the agenda when Vacaville Unified leaders meet Thursday.

Ali Eeds, director of secondary education, will ask the governing board members to approve the district’s schools and dependent charter schools’ proposed spending plan for the 2025-26 for the Arts and Music Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act funds.

Source: Spending plan for arts and music, and a meat contract on VUSD agenda – The Vacaville Reporter

Immigration Enforcement Legislative Update – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond celebrated the signing of Assembly Bill 49 (Muratsuchi) and Senate Bill 98 (Perez) into law today by Governor Newsom, two bills co-sponsored by Superintendent Thurmond that seek to keep immigration enforcement off of school campuses and ensure appropriate family notification if immigration agents are present at a schoolsite.

Since spring 2025, impacts of immigration enforcement on California schools have included incidents in which federal agents set off flashbang grenades within earshot of schoolyards, urinated on a playground in broad daylight, asked for direct contact with young children without a warrant or parent permission, and used school drop-off as an opportunity to detain parents.

“I am proud to have sponsored and supported the passage of AB 49 and SB 98 to keep ICE and immigration enforcement away from our school campuses without a judge’s authorization,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “The reckless actions of the Trump administration have sown fear and trauma throughout California school communities. As the son and grandson of immigrants, I am proud to stand with our immigrant communities to ensure school campuses are safe and accessible to all families.“

Source: Immigration Enforcement Legislative Update – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

New Study: Community Schools Initiative Has Impact – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

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State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond celebrated a new study published by the Learning Policy Institute (LPI) External link opens in new window or tab. on September 16, 2025, that shows the strongly positive impact of California’s community schools initiative. The community schools strategy builds partnerships between public schools and community organizations to provide resources, such as mental health services or family outreach, that engage families and serve the whole child.

“The community schools strategy is about creating partnerships across schools, families, and the community so that every child in our state has a village of support,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “With this new research, we now have data to support what we know to be true: When our children have the supports that they need to be present and healthy at school, they can learn, grow, and thrive.”

California is home to the largest community schools initiative in the nation, thanks to an investment of $4.1 billion in the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP), which launched in 2021. This initiative is a key component of Superintendent Thurmond’s Transforming Schools Initiatives, a set of historic actions that have tripled per pupil investment in public schools during Superintendent Thurmond’s tenure.

Source: New Study: Community Schools Initiative Has Impact – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

VCUSD advances conversation on potential school closures or consolidations – Times Herald Online

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By Sarah Rodriguez

While final decisions have yet to be made regarding Vallejo’s ongoing school closures and consolidation plans, conversation on Wednesday night pointed to a few possibilities.

The Vallejo City Unified School District Board of Education meeting included the presentation of the initial Equity Impact Analysis (EIA), which took a closer look at the seven schools being considered for potential closure or consolidation. In addition, VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio shared his preliminary recommendations, including the recommended closure of three schools.

Source: VCUSD advances conversation on potential school closures or consolidations – Times Herald Online

Grammy-nominated musician welcomed by Vaca High jazz band | dailyrepublic.com

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The Vacaville High School Bulldog Jazz Band recently welcomed substitute teacher Michael Rocha, a four-time Grammy nominee and acclaimed jazz trumpeter.

The band is gearing up for this weekend’s Jazz, Wine & Food Festival.

The student musicians, along with those from Dixon High, Will C. Wood and Vanden will perform from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Drive. Admission is free.

Source: Grammy-nominated musician welcomed by Vaca High jazz band | News | dailyrepublic.com

Vaca High swings into Homecoming week fun – The Vacaville Reporter

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Student Evan Fuller, 16, a junior at Vacaville High School swings at a piñata during lunchtime on Wednesday in an effort to break it open. The competition, organized by the student council, is part of a week-long celebration leading up to Friday night’s Homecoming football game against Pioneer High School, the crowning of the queen, and a halftime fireworks show. Wednesday was also “Wacky Wednesday,” so students were wearing some wild outfits to show their school pride. “It’s just fun to dress up and show spirit,” said Bella McNelis, 17, a senior at the school who was among council members who helped some of the planning for the week of events.

Source: PHOTO: Vaca High swings into Homecoming week fun – The Vacaville Reporter

Suisun Club Donates $1,000 to County Office of Education | Independent Voice

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Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) is honored to receive a generous $1,000 donation from the Wednesday Club of Suisun in support of Solano County Office of Education’s Foster and Homeless Youth Services programs.

The donation was presented to Solano County Office of Education on Sept. 10 during a special luncheon hosted by the Wednesday Club, with President Evelyn Wickham welcoming attendees and leading the event.

Alongside Solano County Office of Education, the Wednesday Club of Suisun also presented other Solano community services organizations such as Opportunity House, CASA, VOICES, Meals on Wheels, Safe Quest Solano and the Solano Commission for Women and Girls with donations.

Source: Suisun Club Donates $1,000 to County Office of Education | Independent Voice

Beyond the bell at Vacaville schools – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Robin Miller

In a brightly lit classroom at Hemlock Elementary, the hum of focused chatter mixes with the rustle of paper and the scrape of pencil on worksheet. Instructor Naba Jafi leans over to help a kindergartener write the number, her voice calm and encouraging. Across the room, other students are giggling and holding up papers to show their. Out on the playground, third-grader Oliver Albizo and his friends are enjoying activities together.

“It’s fun here,” he says when asked what he likes best about the after-school enrichment program he’s part of at the school. “Everyone listens and we get to play a lot of fun games.”

Source: Beyond the bell at Vacaville schools – The Vacaville Reporter

Fairfield-Suisun school district seeks applicants for vacant board post | dailyrepublic.com

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Anyone interested in serving as the Area 7 trustee on the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District board can apply starting Sept. 15.

The seat became vacant with the appointment of Nikki Parr as Solano County superintendent of schools. She took over her new duties this month.

“Any registered voter within the Area 7 boundary is eligible to be a member of the governing board. Employees of FSUSD are not eligible to be a board member unless they resign from their employment position,” the district said in a statement.

Source: Fairfield-Suisun school district seeks applicants for vacant board post | News | dailyrepublic.com

Rising Star Nonpublic School to lease former Vallejo school site – Times Herald Online

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By Sarah Rodriguez

The Vallejo Unified School District unveiled plans on Wednesday to lease the former Franklin Middle School site to Rising Star Nonpublic School.

A Nonpublic Schools — or NPS — is a private school, certified by the state’s Department of Education, to primarily serve special needs students. In repurposing the underutilized school site, the district hopes to generate revenue and breathe new life into its surrounding community.

Source: Rising Star Nonpublic School to lease former Vallejo school site – Times Herald Online

Senior manager contract extensions on VUSD agenda – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

Contract extensions for three senior managers, approval of a contract for the school district’s Central Kitchen Project, and a pair of contract proposals to build portables at two elementary schools are on the agenda when Vacaville Unified leaders meet Thursday evening.

Agenda documents show that trustees will consider approving a three-year contract extension for Kelly Burks, associate superintendent of business and administrative services.

While the contract agreement, which will be in effect from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, does not indicate the dollar amount of her current base salary, a district official told The Reporter that Burks is on Step 3 of the salary schedule, which means her annual salary is $211,176.

Source: Senior manager contract extensions on VUSD agenda – The Vacaville Reporter

Vallejo school district weighs closing schools amid $15.5M shortfall | KTVU FOX 2

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By Allie Rasmus

Vallejo City Unified School District has released a list of seven schools that could close or consolidate next year as officials work to address a projected $15.5 million budget shortfall.

The schools under consideration are Lincoln Elementary, John Finney Education Complex, Pennycook Elementary, Steffan Manor Elementary, Cooper Elementary, Federal Terrace Elementary and Highland Elementary.

Source: Vallejo school district weighs closing schools amid $15.5M shortfall | KTVU FOX 2

Benicia names Chris Calabrese as newest superintendent – Times Herald Online

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By Sarah Rodriguez

Benicia Unified School District (BUSD) has announced longtime educator Chris Calabrese as the district’s next superintendent.

Last Thursday, the board voted unanimously to approve the administrative appointment, solidifying his superintendency effective Sept. 17.

On par with his plans to uphold an open-door policy as superintendent, Calabrese says his goal is to “listen first, and learn deeply.” For the first 100 days in office, at least, he plans to take on a real boots-on-the-ground approach and connect with his district community on-site.

Source: Benicia names Chris Calabrese as newest superintendent – Times Herald Online

TUSD leaders to mull resolution on textbook ‘sufficiency of standards’ – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

Travis Unified leaders will engage in a public hearing Tuesday for what’s called “sufficiency of standards” for textbooks, a process to ensure that the school district obeyed all laws and regulations to provide enough teaching materials in each subject that’s consistent with a “framework” adopted by the state Board of Education.

Nick Girimonte, assistant superintendent for educational services in the seven-campus, 5,400-student district, will lead the presentation. The hearing will precede a governing board vote to adopt a resolution confirming the Fairfield-based district’s compliance with the state regulation.

Source: TUSD leaders to mull resolution on textbook ‘sufficiency of standards’ – The Vacaville Reporter

State funds allow Vallejo schools to expand arts programming – Vallejo Sun

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By Zach Haber

The Vallejo City Unified School District has expanded its visual and performing arts programing for the second year in a row thanks to receiving several million dollars in state funding from a 2022 state proposition.

The new funding means almost all district students can now take more art classes taught by credentialed art teachers.

Source: State funds allow Vallejo schools to expand arts programming

Vallejo school district celebrates dramatic decrease in chronic absenteeism – Times Herald Online

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By Sarah Rodriguez

Attendance has always proven to play a pivotal part in determining the success of a local school district.

During Wednesday’s board meeting, Vallejo City Unified School District Director of Student Services Edison Kelly provided an update on the district’s three-year attendance plan, which included a dramatic decrease in the percentage of chronic absenteeism.

Adding to the good news was an announcement from VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio that the district’s current enrollment numbers are “above projection” for the current school year. Last they checked, enrollment was “roughly about 400 students above our projected numbers,” said the superintendent.

Source: Vallejo school district celebrates dramatic decrease in chronic absenteeism – Times Herald Online

VCUSD to host trio of town halls – Times Herald Online

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By Sarah Rodriguez

For those in fear that their Vallejo City Unified School District campus might be considered for the ongoing school closure and consolidations, the district is giving residents a chance to speak up.

In anticipation of the second phase of their school closure and consolidation plan, the district will host three town hall meetings this fall in hopes of gathering community feedback.

Source: VCUSD to host trio of town halls – Times Herald Online