The Philomath School Board approved a routine motion during its meeting Thursday night to renew the employment contracts of 110 teachers and administrative staff.
A list of personnel showed full contract status for 91 established teachers and administrators. Nineteen others are in their first, second or third year of a probationary period with the district.
“This is basically the superintendent’s recommendation of what teaching staff will be renewed for 2026-27,” Board Chair Tom Klipfel explained prior to a vote.
One teacher with a preliminary teaching license status was recommended by the district for nonrenewal. Klipfel said the teacher had requested a closed hearing, which was held earlier in the evening. The board voted in favor of nonrenewal.
Although not identified by name in meeting materials, two individuals spoke during the public comments portion of the meeting in support of Philomath Elementary special education teacher Candace Van Patten, who had joined the district in 2023-24.
Under Oregon law, school boards hold statutory authority over personnel decisions, with the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission issuing the actual teaching license. State law requires districts to notify teachers of nonrenewal each spring.