Board adopts updated elementary boundaries after closures; staff warns of transportation adjustments

The Vallejo City Unified School District governing board on Jan. 14 approved updated elementary attendance boundaries tied to the closure of Highland, Lincoln and Pennycook elementary schools, a step staff said is needed to finalize registration and staffing for the next school year.

Assistant Superintendent Heather Tapasio and district operations staff presented a boundary recommendation grounded in a room‑by‑room capacity analysis and an equity impact analysis. Staff said the map preserves space for key programs, minimizes transportation impacts where possible, and will allow the district to open registration on Jan. 21 for families impacted by the closures.

From a transportation standpoint, operations staff estimated approximately 134 students would newly qualify for district transportation under the proposed boundaries and said implementing the boundaries would require at least three additional buses and drivers. Staff noted bus purchases come from capital funds and would not directly offset the operating savings associated with closures and staff reductions.

Trustees asked about the fiscal implications and timing; staff said route safety and walk‑zone reviews will follow, and that on‑site planning and parent meetings are scheduled in the coming weeks. The board adopted the boundary changes by unanimous roll call.

Next steps: staff will open registration, conduct route and walkability reviews, coordinate staffing and communicate new school assignments to families impacted by the closures.