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Mount Diablo Unified board approves superintendent contract amendment despite sharp public criticism
Summary
Trustees approved a second amendment to Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark’s employment agreement effective through June 30, 2029, which includes a salary increase and deferred‑compensation changes. The vote followed sustained public comment criticizing the raise while many employees received smaller cost‑of‑living increases.
The Mount Diablo Unified School District board approved a second amendment to Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark’s employment agreement on June 24, extending the contract through June 30, 2029 and adjusting compensation and benefits.
Human Resources presented the amendment including annual salary figures and benefit details. The presentation included numeric line items that were discussed in public comment: the amendment as presented included an annual salary figure stated in the agenda materials, an annual deferred compensation contribution of $24,290 and a $2,000 advanced‑degree stipend. During public comment speakers said the amendment amounted to roughly a $28,000 (about 8.6%) increase for 2026‑27; those figures were repeatedly cited by critics and referenced by trustees during debate.
Speakers at the meeting criticized the timing and optics of the raise. One teacher described the action as "fiscally irresponsible," citing site budget reductions and saying employees who work directly with students received much smaller increases. Dan Reynolds, a speaker at the meeting, urged trustees not to approve a superintendent raise larger than worker increases: "If you can't afford to give it to everyone, don't give it to the superintendent," he said.
Trustees who supported the amendment cited competitive benchmarking and district financial stewardship. Trustee Mayo reviewed multi‑year compensation history for bargaining units and argued the superintendent’s increases reflect a broader pattern of district pay adjustments since Dr. Clark arrived in 2020. Supporters also pointed to district fiscal stability and the superintendent’s leadership during difficult budget cycles.
Dr. Clark addressed the board after the vote and thanked trustees for their confidence. He defended the district's financial choices and highlighted improvements in employee compensation and district fiscal status during his tenure. He also noted he is not the highest‑paid superintendent in the Bay Area and said the amendment brings his pay closer to regional peers.
The motion to approve the amendment was moved, seconded, debated and then adopted by the board (recorded as passing). The meeting minutes record extended public comment and board discussion before the final vote.
What happens next: The amendment is effective per the adopted terms in the personnel action; the board and district staff said they will continue to balance bargaining outcomes, site impacts and budget priorities in upcoming deliberations.
