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Vallejo City Unified School District’s 7-11 Committee Proposes School Closures

Community members express their opinions on proposed school closures during a Vallejo School District meeting.

Vallejo, August 1, 2025

News Summary

The Vallejo City Unified School District’s 7-11 Committee has recommended closing Lincoln Elementary along with six other schools. This decision comes in light of declining enrollment and financial challenges facing the district. The committee’s recommendations include consolidating other schools and relocating educational programs. Community input is encouraged in upcoming discussions, with final decisions expected in December. The proposed closures aim to save the district significant funds while addressing the needs of the students.

Vallejo City Unified School District 7-11 Committee Recommends Closure of Lincoln Elementary Among Seven Schools

The Vallejo City Unified School District’s 7-11 Committee has made a significant recommendation regarding the closure of schools, naming Lincoln Elementary as the top choice for closure. This decision follows the committee’s recent meeting, which included a legally required public hearing attended by around 20 community members.

In addition to Lincoln Elementary, the committee suggested the potential closure or consolidation of Steffan Manor, Pennycook, Federal Terrace Elementary, John Finney Education Complex, Cooper Elementary, and Highland Elementary.

Lincoln Elementary currently has a projected enrollment of only 96 students for the upcoming school year, making it the smallest school among those under consideration. Two school officials voiced their defense for keeping Lincoln open during the public comments. They emphasized the school’s unique role in serving a low-income community and pointed out that closing Lincoln could negatively impact student attendance and eliminate a supportive educational environment.

The principal of Lincoln Elementary expressed concerns over potential threats to the successful literacy program at the school, which has demonstrated notable improvements in students’ scores. The committee recommended that if Lincoln Elementary is closed, its literacy program should be preserved and relocated. Similarly, there are considerations for relocating John Finney’s programs, while there are suggestions to consolidate Steffan Manor students into Pennycook.

The committee has categorized Federal Terrace, John Finney, Cooper, and Highland as “surplus,” paving the way for the district to lease, sell, or repurpose these sites in the future. The strong public support for keeping Cooper and Federal Terrace open has led some committee members to reconsider their rankings of these schools.

A final discussion of the committee’s recommendations is scheduled for August 11, and community participation, especially from Lincoln Elementary families, is strongly encouraged. The district’s superintendent clarified that final decisions regarding school closures or consolidations will not be made until December, and the current recommendations will guide future discussions.

The Vallejo City Unified School District has experienced a significant decline in student enrollment in recent years, dropping from around 18,000 students in 2004 to approximately 9,656 last year. In light of the ongoing financial challenges, the district aims to close three additional schools to maintain financial stability. The closures and consolidations are projected to result in savings of $300,000, $600,000, and $450,000 for Lincoln, Pennycook, and Cooper, respectively.

Concerns about declining student enrollment continue to loom large, compelling district officials to implement substantial budget cuts to ensure fiscal sustainability. The superintendent elaborated that the intended school closures would not only aim to address financial issues but also to enhance services and attract new enrollment to the district.

Frequently Asked Questions

What schools are recommended for closure by the Vallejo City Unified School District’s 7-11 Committee?

The schools recommended for closure or consolidation include Lincoln Elementary, Steffan Manor, Pennycook, Federal Terrace Elementary, John Finney Education Complex, Cooper Elementary, and Highland Elementary.

Why is Lincoln Elementary being considered for closure?

Lincoln Elementary has the lowest projected enrollment at 96 students for the upcoming school year and is seen as at-risk due to its small size and financial considerations.

What are the projected savings from the school closures?

The potential closure of Lincoln, Pennycook, and Cooper is anticipated to save the district approximately $300,000, $600,000, and $450,000 annually, respectively.

When will the final decisions regarding school closures be made?

Final decisions on the recommendations are expected to be made in December, following discussions on August 11.

How has enrollment in the Vallejo City Unified School District changed over the years?

Enrollment has declined significantly from approximately 18,000 students in 2004 to around 9,656 last year, prompting the need for potential school closures.