Community members express their opinions on proposed school closures during a Vallejo School District meeting.
The Vallejo City Unified School District’s 7-11 Committee has proposed the closure of Lincoln Elementary School, citing a significant drop in enrollment. With only 96 students projected to enroll, it faces potential consolidation with six other schools. Community members voiced support for the school’s importance, particularly its literacy program. Final decisions regarding school closures will be made in December, after further community discussions.
The Vallejo City Unified School District’s 7-11 Committee has recommended the closure of Lincoln Elementary School, citing it as the top candidate among seven schools identified for potential closure or consolidation. This decision follows a public meeting held earlier this week, where community members voiced their opinions on the recommendations.
The committee’s list includes six other schools at risk: Steffan Manor, Pennycook, Federal Terrace Elementary, John Finney Education Complex, Cooper Elementary, and Highland Elementary. Currently, Lincoln Elementary is projected to have only 96 students enrolled in the upcoming school year, making it the smallest school on the list. The significant drop in enrollment has raised alarms over the school’s sustainability.
During the legally required public hearing, approximately 20 community members expressed their concerns and support for Lincoln Elementary. Principal Sue Kelly and Expanded Learning Coordinator Diane Flowers advocated for the school, highlighting its importance as a community resource in a low-income area. They emphasized how the closure would negatively affect attendance and erase a vital educational environment for children who rely on the school for support and hope.
The committee recognized the importance of Lincoln Elementary’s notable literacy program, which has shown substantial improvements in student performance. Although the committee is considering relocating the literacy program if Lincoln closes, school officials believe that this would still pose risks to the program’s success and effectiveness.
In addition to Lincoln, the committee suggested consolidating Steffan Manor students into nearby Pennycook Elementary. Other schools categorized as “surplus” include Federal Terrace, John Finney, Cooper, and Highland, allowing the district the opportunity to lease, sell, or repurpose these sites in the future.
Public feedback demonstrated strong support for maintaining Cooper and Federal Terrace open, leading to some committee members reconsidering their recommendations. The final decision on the committee’s recommendations will be discussed during a meeting scheduled for August 11, where community participation, especially from those connected to Lincoln Elementary, is highly encouraged.
Vallejo City Unified School District Superintendent Rubén Aurelio clarified that the final decisions about school closures will not take place until December, and the committee’s recommendations will play a crucial role in upcoming discussions. The district has experienced a significant decline in enrollment, dropping from around 18,000 students in 2004 to approximately 9,656 last year. This drastic change has prompted the district to consider closing three additional schools to achieve financial sustainability.
The district’s priorities for potential closures are based on declining student enrollments, with the projected savings being significant. Lincoln Elementary is anticipated to save the district about $300,000 annually, while Pennycook and Cooper could result in savings of $600,000 and $450,000, respectively.
Officials have continuously expressed concerns regarding the ongoing drop in student enrollment, highlighting that drastic budget cuts are necessary for the district to remain solvent. Superintendent Aurelio mentioned that the possible consolidation and closure of schools are not solely financial measures but also aimed at improving services and enticing new enrollment, which is crucial for the district’s future.
The situation remains tense as the community awaits further discussions and decisions regarding the future of these schools. The 7-11 Committee’s recommendations have already stirred emotions and engaged local advocacy around education and community welfare.
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