by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | June 20, 2026
VALLEJO – Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) Superintendent Rubén Aurelio is expected to receive a three percent raise and a contract extension that will see him lead the district through 2030.
Aurelio’s salary will increase to $307,661 annually once an addendum to his employment agreement is approved by the five-person Vallejo school board on Wednesday, June 24.
The addendum also allows Aurelio to collect a three percent raise each year starting with the 2026-27 school year.
“The Board and Superintendent recognize classified and certificated employees have established salary schedules that provide for annual salary increases based on years of service and/or experience,” the addendum states. “The Board and Superintendent agree to implement a similar process related to the Superintendent’s annual Base Salary. Therefore, effective the 2026-2027 school year and each year thereafter, the Superintendent’s annual Base Salary will be increased by three percent.”
Aurelio, who began with the district on July 1, 2024, received a similar raise last year when the board unanimously approved a first amendment to his employment agreement with the district. At that time, his salary was increased to $298,700.
“Over the past several years, the district has navigated significant challenges, including fiscal instability, declining enrollment, organizational restructuring, school consolidations, staffing reductions, labor negotiations, and state oversight requirements,” a district staff report states regarding the proposed addendum to Aurelio’s contract. “Throughout this period, the Superintendent has provided leadership focused on restoring fiscal solvency, strengthening organizational systems, increasing accountability, and maintaining a focus on student achievement.”
Last month, the school board approved laying of more than 50 district employees following a similar decision to close schools amid budgetary issues. In early-April the board reaffirmed its decision to close Lincoln, Pennycook and Highland Elementary Schools.
The school board had previously approved the closures in December 2025; however, an investigation by the Vallejo Sun found the district may have violated the state’s open meeting law.
Superintendent’s cabinet to receive similar addendums
During the same June 24 meeting, the school board will be asked to approve similar addendums for several members of Aurelio’s executive cabinet. They include Heather Topacio, assistant superintendent of educational services; Matthew Chamberlain, assistant superintendent of human resources; and Rubén Fernández, assistant superintendent of business services and operations.
The addendums re-set the employment lengths for each position for three years, starting July 1, 2026.
Currently, Fernández earns $236,288 annually, according to his employment district with the school district, while Topacio makes $218,785, and Chamberlin takes in $211,892 per year.
The board will be asked to approve an employment agreement for the position of chief communications and community engagement officer; however, it could not be reviewed due to an error as of press time.
The Vallejo school board is scheduled to meet on June 24 at 6 p.m. inside the Vallejo City Unified School District Offices, at 665 Walnut Avenue on Mare Island. To access the district’s YouTube channel for the live stream, please click this link.