Parents, staff and community members urge board to retain Superintendent Dr. Walker

Community members and district employees delivered repeated public testimony at the Adelanto Elementary School District board meeting on Dec. 12, urging trustees to retain Superintendent Dr. Walker and to prioritize student services.

Brenda Congo of Talion Academy asked the board to move promptly on her charter petition renewal so families and staff can plan for the next school year, noting the school's WASC and Cognia accreditations. Kim Smith, a parent, said delays on fiscal priorities and special education decisions harm students and staff and urged the board to act swiftly to ensure services for students with IEPs. Several parents and long‑time employees — including Tabitha Brown, Miss Pullum, Melissa Ochoa and Ireri Peralta — praised Walker’s leadership and asked trustees to provide stability for classrooms and staff.

Trustees and district leaders also addressed concerns raised about special education capacity. Trustee Krause asked for clarification about a $1,500,000 EPIC services agreement; Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Mr. Shiflett said the funds cover rising costs for services supporting some 600 students who need speech services and that the agreement supplements district staff (the district reported 14 SLPs plus assistants). Trustee comments and public testimony repeatedly emphasized federal special‑education obligations and the need to avoid service lapses.

Dr. Walker responded to public remarks and defended the district’s processes for charter renewals, saying the district is following established steps and intends to be transparent. In a longer address, Walker described her commitment to the community, cited recent district programs and closed by showing a short video about accomplishments.

The public comment period consisted mainly of supportive testimony for the superintendent and requests for timely action on fiscal and special‑education matters. The board did not take action on personnel at the meeting; trustees later reiterated the need for decorum and accurate public information.