Vallejo school district closes two schools, cuts 75 positions

The Vallejo City Unified School District board voted to close Mare Island Health and Fitness Academy and Loma Vista Environmental Science Academy while relocating Vallejo Charter School to the Mare Island campus, responding to a projected $20.3 million budget deficit. The unanimous decision includes cutting 75 staff positions and implementing $12.8 million in fiscal reductions due to declining enrollment, which has decreased by about 30% since the 2014-2015 school year. Superintendent Rubén Aurelio emphasized the need for these closures to ensure financial stability and long-term sustainability of the district. The school closures will affect over 1,100 students, with the decision set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year. The board plans to continue making further reductions in the coming years as part of a phased multi-year approach. Community members expressed surprise and concern over the closures and their impact on local education.