Ralston board renews superintendent’s contract; adds three‑year background‑check requirement

The Ralston Public Schools Board of Education on Nov. 24 approved Superintendent Jason Buckingham’s evaluation and renewed his contract, adding a requirement for a background check every three years and shifting the district’s evaluation schedule.

Board members voted to accept the evaluation and then to renew the superintendent’s contract with cost‑of‑living updates and timing changes that establish a rolling three‑year contract length. Board discussion explained the timing change: moving the evaluation to November allows time to place a superintendent on a performance plan before a renewal decision if concerns arise.

Buckingham thanked the board for its support after the evaluation, saying, "I really think we have the best board of education in the state," and described the role of evaluation in his professional growth. Board leaders confirmed they would add the background‑check language to the contract and proceed with publication requirements for the contract approval.

The board approved the evaluation and contract by roll‑call votes; the meeting record shows the motions carried without dissent. The board also noted it will continue annual reviews while maintaining the three‑year rolling contract structure.