The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District will negotiate a new contract with current district superintendent Clayton Holland following a unanimous vote in support by school board members Monday.

The KPBSD Board of Education in January 2021 selected Holland to take the district’s helm from John O’Brien. Holland previously served as the district’s assistant superintendent and has also worked as the director of student support services. He holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

In supporting contract negotiations with Holland, multiple board members during Monday’s special meeting praised the superintendent for his leadership, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressed gratitude that he is interested in continuing to head the district.

“Superintendent Holland was instrumental in coming out of a rather frustrating time and getting our kids back into classrooms where they belong,” board member Jason Tauriainen said. “He was a big, big advocate and supporter for that, and pretty consistent, so that alone makes me want to have you.”

Board member Virginia Morgan also expressed her support for Holland.

“I appreciate the job you do and appreciate having you at the helm of our district and hope that you will continue to stay,” Morgan said.

Monday’s KPBSD Board of Education meetings will be available to stream on the district’s Board Docs page.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.