Adelanto board approves five‑year renewal for Talion High Desert Academy after debate over metrics

The Adelanto Elementary School District Board of Trustees on Feb. 3, 2026 approved a five‑year renewal for Talion High Desert Academy, voting 5–0 after public supporters urged a longer term and district staff recommended a shorter, two‑year renewal with conditions.

District educational services staff presented a review of Talion that included site visits and a mixed finding: facilities and many supports were described as "exceptionally clean, orderly, and well maintained," but staff said a lack of documented, mutually agreed alternative metrics for K–8 and some special‑education and EL (English learner) implementation gaps limited the evaluative framework. "Based on legal standards that closure is not in the best interest of students, the evaluation team does recommend a 2 year renewal with some conditions," the staff presenter said, describing recommended conditions that included developing explicit alternative metrics by June 30, 2026, monthly monitoring meetings focused on academics and fiscal health, and use of the FCMAT oversight checklist.

Supporters — including parents, educators and charter‑school advocates — urged the board to grant a longer term, arguing Talion serves students who struggle in traditional settings. "For many parents, Talion is not just an option. It's a relief. It's hope," public commenter Ryan Woodard said, asking the board to "respectfully urge you to pass this as a 7‑year renewal on behalf of Talion High Desert Academy." Principal Brenda Congo emphasized the school’s accreditations and results, saying Talion is a dashboard alternative school that serves at‑risk students and that its DAS graduation rate has been strong.

Trustees debated the appropriate compromise. Trustee Krause moved to amend the recommendation to a five‑year renewal and later proposed a seven‑year substitute before procedural votes; after discussion the board returned to the five‑year motion. On the final roll call the five‑year renewal passed unanimously. President Sotto announced: "Tallon High Desert Academy Charter School renewal has been approved by the board for 5 years."

The board’s approval includes the staff‑recommended conditions: the district and Talion must mutually agree on alternative renewal metrics appropriate to the student population by 06/30/2026; the parties will hold monthly monitoring meetings on academic performance, fiscal health and operational compliance; and the FCMAT Charter School Annual Oversight Checklist will be used as the primary monitoring tool during the renewal term. The staff report also noted a projected property tax allocation to Talion of approximately $882,646 for the 2025–26 year and cautioned that per state law fiscal impact alone is not a legal basis for denial.

What happens next: the board approved the five‑year renewal and directed district staff and Talion to begin the joint development of metrics and schedule oversight meetings immediately. The board also discussed follow‑up reports and called for continued collaboration to ensure students’ needs are met.