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Adelanto board approves $50,000 governance contract with HYA despite objections over timing
Summary
The Adelanto Elementary School District board voted to hire HYA for governance coaching and a fractional chief-of-staff model at a base cost of $50,000; supporters said the work could reduce long-term legal costs and mend fractured board dynamics, while critics said funds should prioritize staff benefits amid ongoing labor impasse.
The Adelanto Elementary School District board voted to approve a governance consulting agreement with HYA (Hazard Young, Tia Associates) after a lengthy public and trustee debate. Supporters framed the contract as focused on board governance — assessments, 1-on-1 interviews, tailored workshops and a ‘fractional chief of staff’ — and argued the work would help clarify roles, improve decision-making and ultimately save money on legal fees.
Clerk Stephanie Webster, who moved the item, said HYA’s approach is narrowly targeted at governance and that the district has few providers with this specialization. “It gives us more answers and clarity, to our jobs,” Webster said during the discussion. Adam Lechner, HYA’s presenter, told trustees the program combines interviews, self-evaluations and workshops and that some in-person sessions would incur travel costs on top of the base fee.
Opponents on the board voiced concern about the timing and cost while contract negotiations with certificated and classified staff remain unresolved. Trustee LaFrenche said she was uncomfortable spending $50,000 “right now” given staff health-care needs. Trustee Stewart also criticized the timing and noted travel would be extra because the consultant is based out of state.
Trustee Chelsea Krauss defended the contract as an investment in governance, citing high district legal costs in the previous fiscal year and HYA’s long track record in California. “Our board is fractured,” Krauss said; she and other supporters said an impartial facilitator could help the board move from conflict to more consistent, transparent operations.
The recorded roll call reflected the split among trustees; the motion passed with a majority. The contract’s base amount on the agenda was $50,000; the presentation and Q&A clarified that travel expenses would be billed in addition to that amount and that the vendor’s model focuses on board—not district—strategy work.
The board provided no formal amendments to the contract during the meeting. The next step is implementation planning with HYA and scheduling initial assessments; Lechner said he would be available to begin working with the district and would follow up on logistics and timing.
The board then moved on to other business, including personnel actions and fiscal support agreements.
