Board approves three‑year contract for Superintendent Matt Hilton after budget debate

The Tecumseh Public Schools Board of Education voted to approve a three‑year employment contract for Superintendent Matt Hilton that will take effect July 1, 2025 and run through June 30, 2028.

Trustees discussed the item at length, citing Hilton’s role in identifying fiscal challenges and leading administrative changes. Supporters said retaining stable leadership is important while the district works through a budget turnaround. One trustee noted, “He got the sinking fund passed because of his communications plan,” and argued the continuity outweighs the modest added cost of the contract.

Some trustees urged caution because the district faces a projected budget deficit. A trustee who opposed the contract noted the district still has about a year on the existing agreement and questioned whether a raise should wait until the budget picture is clearer. Another trustee proposed considering performance‑based incentives tied to measurable financial or enrollment outcomes instead of a straight raise.

The board voted by roll call; the motion carried with one recorded no vote (Trustee Miller) and the remaining trustees voting aye. The board president was authorized to execute the contract on behalf of the district.

The vote follows trustees’ recent evaluation of the superintendent in December, during which he received the district’s highest available rating. Board members said Hilton has led efforts to reorganize central office functions, implement hiring and process changes, and pursue enrollment and budget stability. The superintendent will continue to lead implementation of those efforts under the new contract.

The board did not adopt additional incentive language at the meeting; trustees discussed the possibility of revisiting incentive structures tied to enrollment or financial targets in future negotiations.

Next steps: the executed contract will be filed with the district and governance staff will proceed with the administrative tasks required to implement the new terms.