La Mesa-Spring Valley board approves conditional agreement allowing Sparrow Academy to continue operating

The La Mesa-Spring Valley School Board on June 4 approved an agreement under which the district will cease current revocation proceedings against Sparrow Academy Charter School if the charter school complies with specified fiscal, special-education and notice requirements.

Kendall Swanson, the district's legal counsel, told board members the agreement is designed as "a last chance opportunity for Sparrow to comply with all previously existing requirements and then also the additional requirements that are set forth in this agreement." He said the district would stop revocation proceedings in exchange for Sparrow paying outstanding obligations, providing monthly budget and special-education reports, applying to join a SELPA or remaining the district's school for special-education services with district oversight, and notifying families of the contingency that the school could close midyear if it fails to comply.

The agreement requires Sparrow to pay its outstanding special-education balance, submit monthly budget reports and attend in-person budget meetings. On special education, Swanson said Sparrow must apply to join a charter SELPA to become its own LEA or continue as a district school subject to the agreement’s monitoring, including IEP participation and training for administrators or designees. The agreement also requires Sparrow to provide a parent notice before the upcoming school year that explains the terms of the agreement and the risk of midyear closure if the school does not comply.

Board members asked whether Sparrow had the approximately $264,000 referenced in recent meetings and whether remitting funds to the district would jeopardize payroll. Counsel said Sparrow had paid part of that balance and that, based on the district's review, Sparrow could meet payroll and other obligations if the agreement is approved and SB 740 funding is certified. A board member asked how parents would be educated beyond receiving a notice; Swanson said the letter to parents will be subject to superintendent approval to ensure clarity about possible outcomes.

Board members also raised oversight costs and the statutory cap on charging charter schools for district oversight. Staff responded that state law limits the charge to a maximum of 3 percent and that the district will aim to keep monitoring within that statutory limit. Swanson said the agreement includes remedies for breach: Sparrow would agree to voluntarily close or, alternatively, be responsible for the district's costs and attorney fees if the district must initiate a future revocation proceeding.

After the presentation and questions, the board approved the agreement for continued operations by voice vote. The board also voted to approve a material revision to Sparrow Academy's charter and an amendment to the charter; both passed on voice votes. Michelle DeAesta, a public commenter, had urged collaboration and thanked district and Sparrow staff for work to "save Sparrow Academy," singling out several staff members by name.

The board offered closing remarks and adjourned the special meeting at 6:19 p.m.