Mt. Diablo Unified extends superintendentDr. Adam Clarkcontract through 2029 amid union concerns

The Mount Diablo Unified School District Board of Education voted to extend Superintendent Adam Clarkemployment agreement to June 30, 2029, approving a first amendment to his contract in a public meeting on Sept. 24, 2025.

The board approved the amendment by voice and roll-call motion, with Trustee Mason making the motion and Trustee Lawrence seconding. The board announced the motion was adopted on a 4-yes, 0-no, 1-abstention vote; student trustee Barrera Orianna voiced support. Trustee McDougall recorded the abstention.

The amendment sets Clarkbase salary at $326,350 and adds a $24,290 annual district contribution to a tax-deferred compensation plan. The only change to the existing agreement, the boards general counsel said, was the contract term: July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.

Why it matters: Supporters said the extension preserves leadership continuity as the district implements multi-year goals. Opponents and some members of the public urged the board to wait.

Union leaders and parents urged the board to prioritize a negotiated settlement with educators before extending top-level contracts. Linda Ortega, president of the Mount Diablo Education Association, told the board she was "surprised" to see the extension on the agenda while the district had not yet settled a contract with classroom educators. Ortega said many teachers are working second jobs and called for smaller classes, fully staffed classrooms, and fully paid medical benefits.

Several parents and volunteers echoed Ortegas theme during public comment. Sarah Brinkman, a parent and member of a school PFC executive board, urged the board to address ongoing building and safety concerns at Mount Diablo Elementary and called the timing of the extension "not in the best interest of the districts students or educational community." Cora Mitchell, a community member, urged the board to slow the decision and asked for public access to the evaluation criteria used by trustees.

Board discussion centered on Clarkrecord and districtwide changes during his tenure. Trustee Nzewi and Trustee Lawrence cited increased site visits and systemwide initiatives, saying they had observed improved consistency of services across schools. Trustee Mason and President Linda Mayo highlighted facilities work and expanded services under Clarkleadership. Trustee McDougall said she would abstain to allow more time to study the amendment and said she had participated in only one evaluation cycle since joining the board.

Clark responded after the vote, saying he is "extremely proud to serve this board" and reiterated that his priority is the students. He said the administration will continue implementing goals and supports across the district.

What the contract does not change: The district said other material terms in Clarkexisting contract remain unchanged, including stated base salary. The general counsel read required contract terms into the public record before the board voted, per Government Code requirements.

Next steps: The board will post the superintendents approved goals and the amended contract as required. The board and the superintendent will continue contract negotiations with classified and certificated bargaining units independently of this employment amendment.

Key quotes

"We can see the district takes care of its highest paid employees, but not settle contract with its over 1,600 educators who work directly with our students every single school day," Linda Ortega said.

"As long as I'm leading this district, I will do everything in my power to support our students," Dr. Adam Clark said after the vote.

Ending

The board recorded the contract amendment as adopted during the Sept. 24 meeting. The extension was approved despite public appeals that the board postpone action until educator contract talks are concluded and after calls for more transparency about the performance evidence used to justify an extension.