Charter school petition sparks community debate and support

A public hearing was held on August 21, 2024, regarding a charter school petition from Altus Schools to operate a non-classroom-based charter school under the Desert Sands Unified School District. The petition seeks to renew a charter previously granted by the Hesperia Unified School District, where the school has been operating within the district's boundaries.

The hearing, mandated by California Education Code Section 47605 B, aims to gauge public response and support from district teachers, employees, and parents. The board will not take action on the petition during this meeting; a decision is scheduled for November 19, 2024.

Wade Ashbrenner, the lead petitioner, presented the case for Altus Schools Coachella Valley, which serves grades 7 through 12 and currently operates the Mira Secondary School. The school has an enrollment of approximately 150 students and has served around 900 students from the Desert Sands Unified School District since 2017. Ashbrenner emphasized the school's commitment to providing personalized education, with a focus on students who may not thrive in traditional settings.

The petition aligns with new regulations established by Assembly Bill 1507, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Altus Schools offers a rigorous academic program, with all courses certified by the University of California and approved by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The school serves a diverse student population, with nearly 70% coming from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and 80% identifying as minority students.

Ashbrenner highlighted the school's academic performance, noting that students outperformed local and state averages in English Language Arts and math assessments. The school also reported a low chronic absenteeism rate of 1.9%, indicating strong student engagement.

The public hearing included a presentation followed by a 20-minute public comment period, allowing community members to voice their opinions on the charter petition. The board's upcoming decision will be closely watched as it could impact the future of non-classroom-based education in the region.