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Local educator pitches Glassford building lease to start preschool and dentist preparatory academy
Summary
Rhonda Dennis proposed leasing the former Glass Boys & Girls Club to open a universal preschool and a dentist preparatory charter school, offering a two‑year lease with option to buy and committing to fund renovations and initial operations. Council members expressed support but asked for further review of building condition and school‑district coordination.
Rhonda Dennis asked the Adelanto City Council to approve a two‑year lease with an option to buy the former Glassford building so she can open a universal preschool and a dentist preparatory academy.
Dennis, who identified herself as founder and CEO of Dennis Educational Consultant Services and director of a nonprofit (DECCS), told the council the plan would repurpose the vacant building into a preschool serving about 100 children and, after a planning year (2026), a free public charter school for TK through eighth grade aimed to open in 2027. She said the lease structure “mitigates risk for the city of Adelanto” while requiring her group to pay all renovation costs and demonstrate operational viability before exercising the purchase option.
The proposal lays out a three‑phase vision: (1) renovate the Glassford building to house the preschool and evening community classes, (2) develop a charter campus for the dentist preparatory academy on surrounding acres, and (3) add a vocational and job‑training center. Dennis told the council the preschool would create at least 10 local jobs and the charter would employ 30 staff when fully open. She framed the project as a “shared investment and a shared legacy” and said she has met with Head Start programs and local partners to identify students and services.
Council members praised the concept but urged caution. Councilwoman Evans said the building’s history warrants careful review and asked staff and council to revisit a 2022 agenda item about prior proposals for the site. Multiple council members urged Dennis to meet with the Adelanto School District and the city’s business‑development staff to ensure the project’s sustainability and compatibility with district plans. Council members and staff also noted the building has been vandalized and may need substantial repairs.
Members of the public—including Alexander Dennis, who identified himself as director of operations for Dennis Educational Consultant Services—spoke in support of the proposal, citing local demand for preschool seats and the presenter’s experience in education. Other speakers welcomed the concept but recommended exploring alternative build‑options on the six‑acre parcel, citing safety and long‑term cost concerns.
The council did not vote on a lease at the meeting. Council members said they are supportive in principle and directed staff and the proponent to continue due diligence on building condition, funding, district coordination and legal terms before returning with formal agreements.
