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Wilderness School founder honored as long-running program prepares to end

Jefferson Union High School District Board of Trustees · April 15, 2026

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Summary

Ed Lopez presented the history and impact of the Wilderness School, a long-standing JUHSD program that uses outdoor expeditions and student-led projects; trustees and alumni praised the program and expressed sadness that its regular operations will end with a retirement event slated for May 29.

Ed Lopez, who has led the Wilderness School program, presented its history, mission and accomplishments and explained that the program is ending as he retires.

Lopez traced the Wilderness School's roots to 1967 and credited teachers Reno Tayeni and Abe Evnovich for early innovations that moved students from classroom to outdoor learning. "What it's not is outdoor education. It's not a place where kids go camping," Lopez said, describing the program's emphasis on student leadership, backpacks-trips, ropes courses and peer teaching.

Lopez and speakers listed community partners, past students and volunteers who supported the program and noted distinctions including documentary coverage and awards. The presenter recalled that the program taught police recruits, led community service projects and sustained a school garden for decades.

Board members, alumni and students praised Lopez's leadership. Several trustees said they visited site events, highlighted the program's impact on student growth and expressed sadness about its ending. The board confirmed a retirement event is scheduled May 29 at 12:15 p.m.

Trustees discussed whether elements of the program could persist or be adapted at other sites, and several speakers urged finding ways to preserve opportunities for students despite the program's formal end. The board did not take a formal vote on next steps during the meeting.

The presentation concluded with audience appreciation for decades of service and an invitation to the public retirement event; staff said they will consider options to sustain parts of the program in other forms.