Amador board approves four‑year contract for Jared Critchfield as superintendent

The Amador County Unified School District Board of Trustees on April 16 voted to approve a four‑year employment agreement with Jared Critchfield to serve as superintendent, effective July 1, 2025.

Under the agreement presented in open session, Critchfield’s base annual salary will be $215,000 with an annual 3% increase. The contract also provides a 15% supplement to his annual salary for duties as county superintendent, a “master stipend” of $1,408 per year, a $1,200 per month contribution to a retirement account of his choice, a $500 per month vehicle allowance and entitlement to the same health and welfare benefits as other administrative certificated employees. The agreement runs through June 30, 2029.

Board members said their deliberations with Critchfield were thorough and that they had the opportunity to ask questions in public before voting. Trustee comments on the record praised Critchfield’s experience with the district and the stability they expect a multi‑year contract to provide.

During the meeting the board read a verbal summary required by California Government Code section 5493 (as stated in the meeting packet) before taking final action. Board members discussed the length of the contract during public remarks; Critchfield said the contract length represented the maximum allowed and that consistency was a primary goal.

The motion to approve the agreement passed on a roll call vote. Following the vote, Critchfield thanked the board for its trust and said he planned to remain in the role and focus on continuity within the district.

The board also reiterated that a complete copy of the superintendent employment agreement is available in the district office or in the meeting agenda packet on request.