Amanda-Clearcreek board approves teacher extension, union pact and district fee waiver

The Amanda-Clearcreek Local board approved a package of consent-agenda items Wednesday, voting to grant 45 extended days to Gavin Estep, a vocational agriculture teacher, adopt a negotiated contract with the local teachers’ association and waive most student fees for the 2026–27 school year.

Chair opened new business with the personnel item, asking the board to "approve 45 extended days for Gavin Estep, a vocational agriculture teacher for the 2627 academic year." After a motion and a roll-call, the Chair recorded affirmative votes and the motion passed.

The board next approved a negotiated agreement with the Amanda-Clearcreek Education Association covering July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. The Chair introduced the contract as item b; a motion and second were recorded and the board voted to adopt the agreement.

Trustees also voted to approve a salary schedule for related services effective July 1, 2026. The transcript lists the schedule end date as June 30, 2021, which appears to be a transcription error; the board did not read an alternative end date aloud during the meeting.

The board moved to approve an item listed in the record as the "new story contract" for 2026–27 (attachment 8). The agenda label was read into the record and the item was advanced with a motion and second.

On a higher-profile item, the board approved waiving pay-to-participate, school, book and class fees — excluding class dues — for the 2026–27 academic year. A Staff member framed the change as an access and equity measure, calling it "commendable for us" given the district's fiscal context and saying the change will "expand access to ... courses, particularly in middle grades." The board discussed the policy's budgetary implications before approving it.

During discussion, staff described the district's universal free-meals program, saying "the program which provides meals at no cost for all students," and explained that the district selected Provision 2 as the best reimbursement approach for the current year. Staff warned that Provision 2 reduces some state revenue tied to paid students and that the district will likely need a transfer to cover the shortfall despite adjustments to meal ordering and procedures. The board heard that monthly financial reports had been provided and that staff are monitoring reimbursements and costs.

A trustee asked whether leave without pay must be requested far in advance and whether disciplinary consequences could apply; staff responded that employees may request leave without pay, requests are to be granted when appropriate, and disciplinary issues could arise if policies are not followed.

Before closing new business the Chair announced, "We're going to forego the executive session that was on the agenda." No executive session was held.

Votes at a glance - Approve 45 extended days for Gavin Estep (vocational agriculture teacher): motion passed (roll-call recorded as affirmative on the record). - Approve negotiated agreement with Amanda-Clearcreek Education Association, 07/01/2026–06/30/2029: adopted (motion passed). - Approve salary schedule for related services, effective 07/01/2026 (transcript shows end date 06/30/2021; end date on the record appears inconsistent): adopted. - Approve "new story" contract for 2026–27 (attachment 8): advanced and approved. - Waive pay-to-participate, school, book and class fees (except class dues) for 2026–27: approved; discussion noted potential budget transfer due to reimbursement impacts.

The board moved on after the votes; no executive session was convened.