School Board — June 17, 2026
Claremont School Board struggles with multi-year audit delays and questions over administrator compensation.
The meeting was characterized by a spirited exchange regarding financial oversight, audit delays, and public requests for greater transparency in administrative spending and staffing.
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Claremont residents deserve clear answers regarding the district's financial health. During the June 17 School Board meeting, several red flags were raised that demand closer scrutiny from the community.
First, the district is currently unable to provide audit reports for fiscal years 2022 through 2025. The administration explained that the delay is due to the difficulty of locating old documentation. This multi-year gap in audited financial statements makes it extremely difficult for taxpayers to verify how money has been spent or managed.
Second, concerns were raised about administrative spending. Following an inquiry into high moving expenses and stipends paid to a recently departed principal, it was confirmed that similar contract structures exist for other administrators. The Board moved this discussion into a non-public session, leaving the public without clarity on these compensation practices.
Finally, the district's cash position is tightening. The Treasurer reported that cash balances are projected to fall below $1 million by the end of the year. While there is talk of $2 million in available federal grant funds, the administration clarified that these are for pre-accounted expenses and will not be used to offset the district's deficit. Stay tuned for the July meeting, where many of these issues are scheduled for further discussion.
Public impact
Expected deficit projected at less than $1 million, with cash balances expected to drop below $1 million by year-end.
The financial report was presented, and the board deferred a formal discussion on staffing reallocations to July.
A detailed discussion on teacher vs. paraprofessional staffing is expected in July.
Multi-year gap in audited financial statements (2022-2025).
The board requested a freestanding agenda item to provide ongoing updates to the public.
The board expects more information and a progress update in July.
Topics discussed
The School Board recognized the Stevens High School Alumni Association for their extensive volunteer work managing donations for school activities.
The Association members were formally saluted and thanked for their service to students, parents, and teachers.
The Board announced that Claremont Savings Bank donated $10,563.11 to the district to cover interest paid on a $4 million loan, effectively making the loan interest-free.
The community was informed of the bank's generosity and the effective interest-free nature of the loan.
Board members proposed several corrections to previous minutes and modified the current agenda.
The consent agenda was accepted with the inclusion of two changes: moving the Board bylaws update to July and adding the nomination of Brian Rapp for the maintenance group negotiations to action items.
The Board will review the updated minutes incorporating these details.
An inquiry into the legality and prevalence of specific stipend and moving expense structures in administrator contracts.
It was confirmed that at least one other such contract currently exists in the district.
The board intends to discuss this matter in a non-public session.
The Superintendent provided updates on graduation, student services, and the funding for various summer programs.
The Board received confirmation that summer staffing and programming are in place and appropriately funded via grants.
HR will provide a larger report in July.
The administration discussed the process of claiming approximately $2 million in available federal grant funds.
The administration committed to a goal of being fully caught up with monthly reporting and reimbursements by August 1st.
The administration will meet next Thursday or Friday to review the current status of all grant programs.
The administration reported on hiring progress for various positions, including principals and special education leadership.
The administration remains focused on finding qualified leadership despite current vacancies and high turnover.
The Treasurer provided the monthly financial report, including cash balances and deficit projections.
The financial report was presented; discussion occurred regarding the use of paraprofessionals vs. teachers to manage the budget.
A discussion on teacher vs. paraprofessional staffing is expected in July.
A discussion regarding the potential to reallocate funds from 'pairs' to fund additional teaching positions.
The board agreed that this topic requires a more formal discussion.
The topic is expected to be addressed in July.
A report on the status of delayed audits for fiscal years 2022 through 2025.
The board was informed that the immediate priority is securing a verified beginning balance for July 1, 2025.
A freestanding agenda item will be added to share updates from auditors with the public; the board expects more information in July.
A proposal to close the Bluff Elementary Student Activities Fund and reallocate its balance.
The motion to close the account and allocate the funds passed.
A discussion on coordinating volunteer labor and donations to paint and refresh CMS.
The board voted to empower Don Lavalette to coordinate the project and solicit contributions.
Don Lavalette to work with Matt Angel to coordinate efforts.
A suggestion to invite artists affected by recent vandalism to display their work in schools.
The board agreed to discuss the proposal further.
Discussion scheduled for the July board meeting.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Audit Delays and Financial Transparency
Administrative Compensation and Stipends
Federal Grant Reimbursement and Budget Deficit
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Member positions
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”
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grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4-fast, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-06-22.
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