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Board approves superintendent employment contract through 2028 after one dissent
Summary
The Salem-Keizer SD 24J board voted to approve Superintendent Castaneda’s employment contract for 2025–2028 after several board members praised her leadership and one director registered opposition. The superintendent pledged continued community donations tied to the contract.
The Salem-Keizer SD 24J Board of Directors voted to approve an employment contract for Superintendent Castaneda covering the 2025–2028 period after a board discussion that produced broad support and one recorded dissent.
Board members praised Castaneda’s leadership during a turbulent period for the district and described the contract as a step toward continuity. The motion to approve the contract was moved and seconded during the May 13 meeting and passed with one director opposed; the board chair announced a single opposing vote.
Board members who spoke in favor highlighted Castaneda’s handling of recent district challenges and her communication with the community. One director said the superintendent had “led our district through some really hard times” and noted the difficulty of attracting experienced leaders to large districts. Another director noted the superintendent’s focus on systems-building and said they would support the renewal. A separate director expressed respect but said they would not vote in favor, citing a desire to see more progress in some areas; that director did not request further formal amendments to the contract on the record.
During a brief public portion of the discussion, Superintendent Castaneda addressed the board and the public directly, saying she remains committed to the district and noting a personal pledge she will continue for the duration of the contract: a donation totaling $15,000 per year that will be directed to students, families and programs that serve staff, families and students. Castaneda described the donation as a personal practice she had maintained during the previous two years and said she would continue it with “joy.”
The board followed standard procedure: the motion to approve the employment contract was made from the dais, discussion proceeded, and the board took a voice/hand vote. The chair announced the result as approved with one opposed.
The board did not provide additional contract terms or salary figures in the public discussion beyond noting the contract term (2025–2028). Several board members referenced district size and complexity in arguing for competitive superintendent compensation, but specific salary amounts were not specified in the public remarks recorded at the meeting.
Board action
- Motion: Approve employment contract for the superintendent for 2025–2028 as presented. (Mover: Director Sadi; second: Director Maria — listed on the meeting record as mover and second.) - Outcome: Approved - Vote tally (recorded at meeting): Yes 6, No 1 (one director opposed)
Why it matters
Superintendent leadership affects district operations, budgeting and community relations. The renewal secures administrative continuity for the next three school years and was accompanied by public comments both supporting and opposing the superintendent’s leadership earlier in the meeting. The contract vote followed public comment sessions in which parents and community members raised concerns about safety, special education services and district leadership.
What the board said next
The chair closed the discussion after the vote and the board moved on to the next agenda items. No additional amendments to the contract were offered during the meeting.
