News Summary
The Vallejo City Unified School District’s 7-11 Committee has recommended closing Lincoln Elementary, citing its low enrollment of just 96 students. Community members voiced their concerns during a public hearing, emphasizing the school’s vital role in supporting low-income families. The district faces significant enrollment declines and aims to enhance financial stability through closures. Superintendent Aurelio stated decisions won’t be finalized until December, with further discussions scheduled for August 11.
Vallejo – The Vallejo City Unified School District’s 7-11 Committee has put forth a recommendation to close Lincoln Elementary, designating it as the top candidate for closure among seven schools under review. This decision follows a public hearing held earlier this week where around 20 community members voiced their opinions on the matter.
The list of schools identified as potential candidates for closure or consolidation includes Lincoln Elementary as the most at-risk institution, along with Steffan Manor, Pennycook Elementary, Federal Terrace Elementary, John Finney Education Complex, Cooper Elementary, and Highland Elementary. This committee meeting is part of a legally mandated process that aims to address the district’s ongoing challenges related to student enrollment and financial viability.
Lincoln Elementary stands out on this list with a projected enrollment of just 96 students for the coming school year, making it the smallest school among the options considered. In response to the committee’s plans, Principal Sue Kelly and Expanded Learning Coordinator Diane Flowers mounted a defense for Lincoln Elementary during public comment. They emphasized the school’s pivotal role in serving a low-income demographic and highlighted how the closure would adversely impact the community.
Diane Flowers pointed out that closing Lincoln Elementary would not only diminish attendance but also eliminate a much-needed educational environment for children who rely on the school for support and hope. Principal Kelly raised concerns about the potential risks to Lincoln’s successful literacy program, which has recorded significant improvements in student performance.
The committee, while recommending the closure of Lincoln, proposed retaining its literacy program and relocating it elsewhere. Similar plans for relocation are being considered for programs at the John Finney Education Complex and consolidating students from Steffan Manor into Pennycook Elementary. The schools classified as “surplus” include Federal Terrace, John Finney, Cooper, and Highland, which will allow the district to lease, sell, or repurpose them as necessary in the future.
Throughout the public comments, there was notable community support for keeping Cooper and Federal Terrace open, prompting some committee members to revisit their earlier rankings of the schools. The committee’s final recommendations regarding school closures will be on the agenda for a meeting scheduled for August 11. Community members, particularly those associated with Lincoln Elementary, are encouraged to participate in the discussions.
Superintendent Rubén Aurelio clarified that the final decisions regarding closures will not occur until December, though the recommendations will guide upcoming discussions. The district has faced significant enrollment losses in recent years, plummeting from approximately 18,000 students in 2004 to around 9,656 last year. As part of a broader initiative to ensure financial stability, the district aims to close three additional schools, with Lincoln, Pennycook, and Cooper identified as potential priorities for closure.
Projected savings from the closures are estimated at $300,000 for Lincoln, $600,000 for Pennycook, and $450,000 for Cooper on an annual basis. District officials have expressed ongoing concerns regarding the persistent decline in student enrollment, stressing the need for substantial budget cuts to maintain solvency. Furthermore, Superintendent Aurelio noted that the intended closures or consolidations aim not only to resolve financial issues but also to enhance educational services and lure back new enrollments to the district.
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Additional Resources
- Times Herald Online: Lincoln Elementary Closure
- Vallejo Sun: School Closures
- Kron4: Vallejo School Closures
- Vallejo Sun: School Closure Plans
- Times Herald Online: End of School Era
- Wikipedia: California
- Google Search: Vallejo education system
- Google Scholar: Vallejo school closures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
- Google News: Vallejo school district
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