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Residents urge Wiseburn Unified to reauthorize DaVinci RISE after board denied material revision
Summary
Multiple residents and parents told the Wiseburn Unified School District board May 28 that denying DaVinci RISE sends a troubling message about priorities, urging trustees to restore the program that supporters say helps students experiencing homelessness and other acute stressors.
Dozens of residents pressed the Wiseburn Unified School District Board of Trustees on May 28 to reverse the board’s recent decision not to approve DaVinci RISE operating under the district, saying the program is essential for students facing homelessness and acute life stressors.
Julie Guthrie, who identified herself as a parent and community member, told trustees the board’s refusal "sends a troubling message" to students who rely on services tailored to trauma‑informed and flexible supports. "At a time when students are facing increasing instability, housing insecurity and economic hardship, programs like DaVinci's are not optional," Guthrie said, adding that the program "created stability where there was chaos" for students she knows.
Jean Ogar, another resident, contrasted the board’s decision on DaVinci RISE with the district’s recently completed sports facility. Ogar noted the district celebrated a $16.6 million taxpayer‑funded sports complex while telling DaVinci to seek operations elsewhere. She said DaVinci brings significant private grant funding — referenced in public comment as $10 million — and accused the board of prioritizing revenue streams from facility rentals over services for vulnerable students. Ogar also alleged two board members have ties to a construction management firm; she named Roger Vanuelos and Nelson Martinez in that charge.
Grace Bader spoke of the emotional testimony given at an earlier meeting by students identified as Patty and Carrie, who described DaVinci RISE as "a home, a lifeline." Bader said Wiseburn residents "are tired of feeling ignored" and urged greater transparency and accountability from elected trustees.
Board members did not take action on DaVinci RISE during the public‑comment period. President Van Willis noted the board was hearing public comment on non‑agenda items and reminded speakers of Brown Act rules limiting board discussion during public comment. There was no motion or vote on the DaVinci material‑revision item at this meeting.
Why it matters: Supporters say DaVinci RISE targets students experiencing homelessness, foster care or significant mental‑health needs and has shown student‑level outcomes cited in prior public testimony. Opponents and district staff have raised operational or contractual concerns in earlier meetings, and trustees did not make a new determination at the May 28 session.
Next steps: The board’s agenda shows continuing district business in early June, including a June 9 public hearing on LCAP and the adopted budget; no date for reconsideration of the DaVinci RISE material revision was announced during the May 28 meeting.
