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Trustees split over renewal of GRIP gang-prevention contract; motion fails
Summary
After a lengthy exchange, the Newport-Mesa board declined to renew its GRIP (Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership) agreement with Waymakers/Orange County DA —trustees cited lack of data, oversight and overlap with district services; vote failed for lack of four yes votes.
A proposal to renew and expand the district GRIP (Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership) agreement with Waymakers and the Orange County District Attorney —brought forward as item 21D—failed after extensive trustee debate on June 10.
Staff described GRIP as a partnership intended to provide case management and prevention services; the renewal would have expanded the program to a third elementary site. Superintendent staff said principals and some participating families gave "positive feedback" and that GRIP provides supports principals request.
Trustee Ashley Anderson led the opposition with a detailed statement citing limited data on outcomes, unclear deliverables in the one-page contract, and concerns about duplication with existing district services (school social workers, school community facilitators) and possible privacy risks for vulnerable families. "I don't know if that data is protected," Anderson said, raising questions about addresses and immigration status and whether referrals are prompted by teachers who may lack training. Trustee Murphy voiced similar concerns about program scope and data control and said the district has many of the resources GRIP would use.
Supporters said principals requested resources and that GRIP was a tool to engage students early. Trustee Crane said staff should take feedback to principals and, if the board opposes renewal tonight, staff should return with alternative models so the district has supports available for fall. After discussion, the board held a roll-call vote; the motion to approve the renewal did not reach the required support and the chair announced the motion failed.
Board members asked staff to re-evaluate the program design and data-sharing protocols and to explore alternative approaches that better integrate district social workers, school-site staff and local law-enforcement partners. No renewal contract was approved at this meeting.
