Sonoma Valley Unified Board to Vote on New Superintendent Contract

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The Sonoma Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on a contract with incoming Superintendent Jason Sutter at their meeting on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The proposed contract would have Sutter serve from March 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030, with a potential extension through June 2031 based on a positive performance review. The board will also consider eliminating over 17 certificated positions and 23 classified positions to save an estimated $4.32 million annually.

Why it matters

The selection of a new superintendent is a critical decision for the school district, as the superintendent provides leadership and vision for the district's educational programs and operations. The board's vote on the contract terms will impact the district's finances and staffing levels, which are important considerations for the community.

The details

The proposed contract with Jason Sutter would have him serve as superintendent from March 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030, with a potential extension through June 2031 based on a positive performance review. His initial annual base salary would be $275,000. The board will also vote on eliminating the equivalent of 17.8 certificated positions and 23.08 current classified positions, as well as 11 vacant classified jobs, to save an estimated $4.32 million per academic year. These cuts are largely due to the pending closure of Prestwood Elementary School.

• The board meeting will take place on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
• Sutter's contract would begin on March 1, 2026 and initially run through June 30, 2030.
• The contract could be extended through June 30, 2031 based on a positive performance review in July 2028.

What they’re saying

What’s next

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