VCUSD Board Votes to Close Two Schools, Relocate Vallejo Charter, and Approves $12.8 Million in Budget Reductions

VALLEJO, Calif. – In a difficult but necessary decision, the Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) Board of Education voted on Wednesday night to close Mare Island Health and Fitness Academy and Loma Vista Environmental Science Academy at the end of the 2024–25 school year. Additionally, the Board approved relocating Vallejo Charter School to the Mare Island campus beginning in the 2025–26 school year.

The Board voted unanimously to close Mare Island Health and Fitness Academy and move Vallejo Charter School to that campus. The decision to close Loma Vista Environmental Science Academy was approved by a 4-1 vote.

Recognizing the district’s ongoing financial challenges, the Board also unanimously approved $12.8 million in budget reductions for the 2025–26 school year and $7.4 million in staffing reductions.

“The decisions we made tonight were incredibly difficult, and we do not take them lightly,” said VCUSD Board President John Fox. “We understand the impact this has on our students, families, and staff, and we are committed to supporting them through this transition. However, with declining enrollment and a shrinking budget, we must take action now to ensure the long-term sustainability of our district and continue providing high-quality education for all students.”

VCUSD faces a projected $36 million structural deficit over the next two years, making further reductions unavoidable. As student enrollment and daily attendance rates continue to decline, the district anticipates additional school closures and staffing reductions. Phase two of the school closure and consolidation process will begin in April 2025, with further decisions expected for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 school years.

The district will begin working on a transition plan to support students, families, and staff affected by the school closures and consolidations. District staff are expected to share further details regarding student placement options, staff transitions, and available resources in the coming days.