Da Vinci asks Wiseburn Unified to authorize RISE; board hears presentation and student testimony

Da Vinci Schools asked the Wiseburn Unified School District Board of Trustees on April 16 to authorize its alternative education program, Da Vinci RISE, as part of the Da Vinci Connect charter. The presentation and subsequent public hearing combined a legal explanation, data on student outcomes and several personal testimonies from students and staff who said the program provides a pathway to graduation for students with significant barriers.

"When we brought forth this material revision, we did not provide the level of clarity or completeness that you deserved," said Michelle Rainey, who said she supports curriculum and instruction at Da Vinci Schools. "That was a mistake. And third, a commitment to transparency, to accountability, and to building a stronger, more aligned partnership moving forward." Rainey framed the request as a return of RISE to its original authorizer and described a legal pathway under Ed. Code 47605.1(f) that, in her words, would "allow RISE to operate certain sites outside of Wiseburn's attendance boundaries" when those sites are tied to enumerated workforce or youth programs.

Rainey and legal counsel Greta Proctor…