In June 2004, State Superintendent Jack O’Connell appointed Dr. Richard J. Damelio as State Administrator for the Vallejo City Unified School District.  The appointment of a State Administrator with the powers of both the Superintendent and Governing Board was required as part of the State Legislation providing VCUSD with a $60 million loan to address the District’ financial problems.  The District was under State Administration until July 13, 2007, when the State Superintendent of Public Instruction announced the return of local governance in three of five operational areas due to the progress made by the District.  The authority of the Governing Board was returned in these three areas—Community Relations, Curriculum and Instruction, and Personnel Management.   In addition, the State Superintendent authorized the Governing Board to hire a Superintendent. 

Dr. Damelio currently serves as State Administrator for two areas—Financial Management and Facilities—and Trustee for the three areas returned to local control.    Local governance will be returned in the last two areas when the State Superintendent believes that sufficient progress has been achieved.  After local governance is regained in all five areas, the State Legislation requires that the District continue to have a State Trustee until the State Loan is repaid.   The last loan payment is due in 2023-24.

Community and Staff Forums

From 2004-2007, the  State Administrator held regular Community Forums to provide information to parents/guardians, members of the community, and VCUSD staff about the District, key issues, and progress being made.  Downloadable documents and materials are located on the right column of this page.