By Shannon Lukens for Steamboat Radio/Blizzard Broadcasting. Courtesy photos.

 

The contract for Moffat County School District Superintendent Dr. Mathew Neal has been extended through 2029. The school board announced an extension of the contract at this week’s Board of Education meeting. Dr. Neal was offered a $15,000 performance bonus, but he declined the offer of the bonus until he felt the district was on more solid financial footing.

 

 

Press Release from Moffat County School District; Jan. 27, 2026.

Moffat County School District Board of Education extends superintendent Dr. Neal’s contract through 2029, emphasizing enthusiasm about district’s direction

 

CRAIG, Colorado — Dr. Mathew Neal, superintendent of Moffat County School District, had his contract extended Monday night’s Board of Education meeting through 2029, as the Board made clear their pleasure and enthusiasm at the direction of the school district as a whole.

 

The Board also chose to extend the offer of a $15,000 performance bonus to Dr. Neal, signifying how impressed and grateful they are for the superintendent’s leadership to this point through challenging times. In response to this honor, Dr. Neal has gratefully insisted to decline the offer of the bonus until a time when he felt the district was on more solid financial footing. In the meantime, he very graciously accepted the renewal of his contract.

 

The vote of confidence was a loud one, as the Board spoke highly of Dr. Neal’s work with the Moffat County School District leadership team and staff through his time with Moffat County schools.

 

“I feel like Dr. Neal has met and exceeded our expectations for him with what he’s been able to accomplish in a very short time,” said Board Member Steve Martinson. “We’ve increased graduation rates, we’ve increased test scores. We’re still facing a difficult financial future, but I see this as a means of showing our appreciation to him and having him carry us into the future.”

 

“(This is about) the performance and the acknowledgment that he came into a tough situation,” said Board Member Paula Belcher. “He’s helped put us on stable footing, and there’s tough times ahead as well, so it’s acknowledgment of what’s been accomplished and what we see in the future, looking forward to the leadership he’ll provide.”

 

“This is a great way for us to recognize the accomplishments that have happened,” said Board Member Jennifer Mattern. “He’s stayed here, and there’s more challenges to come.”

 

“I can’t thank the hiring committee enough. When they brought you in, I wasn’t there, and I met Dr. Neal during a worksession. But I was so impressed and so glad I felt that they got a quality candidate,” said Board Vice President Chris Thome. “We really scored well, and the credibility he’s brought back to the school district and bringing together the board to be better functioning than we’ve had in a long time—I’m very appreciative of that and your commitment to the district.”

 

“When Dr. Neal accepted the position here, going back to his original contract, he did that with the agreement there would be no buyout provision…which was a big ask for us to request of him,” said Board President Heather Cannon before directing her thoughts to Dr. Neal. “You did that without hesitation, and I think that was to earn our trust, which you did. In that time, you’ve balanced the budget, the graduation rate speaks for itself, scores have increased. There’s actual strategic and long-term planning instead of putting out fires as they come. There’s a plan and a vision for the district. I hope this shows you we appreciate and value your work.”

 

“This is a testament to the work of every single member of this district team,” Dr. Neal said. “Though I’m extremely grateful to be recognized and acknowledged for steering this ship, none of what we’ve accomplished happens without each and every teacher, administrator, support staff, principal, and partner that works toward the success of these students. And in the end, the value of our hard work and success is for those students. I am so pleased to be leading this incredible team and to be already seeing the impacts of our work together as our students grow and thrive more than we’ve seen in this district in a very long time. We’ve got lots of opportunities ahead, but the future is bright for Moffat County School District.”