School Charter Extended Despite Money Woes

The Antelope Valley Union High School District board has unanimously approved a five-year extension to the charter of a school that owes $800,000 to the state Department of Education.

Desert Sands Charter School, which offers home-based learning for struggling students, will continue to operate under the district, even though state officials have said they will not release further funding to the school until it repays the money it owes.

State education officials determined they gave the school money it did not deserve last year after an audit showed the school could not back up its enrollment figures. Assistant Supt. Jane Maxwell said the school will rely on other public and private funds until it can repay the money.