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School Consolidation Information Hub

School Consolidation Information Hub

School consolidation in Amador County has been a complex, multi-year effort, and we recognize the community’s patience and engagement throughout this process. With the Board’s action to rescind the 2023 plan and begin evaluating a new consolidation model, the District is taking a fresh, focused approach that better reflects current enrollment realities, community needs, and long-term financial considerations. This updated hub brings all information into one place – timelines, background documents, and future opportunities for input – as we work together to design a sustainable path forward for ACUSD.

District staff have recommended, and the Board has approved moving forward with evaluating, the following possible components of the new consolidation direction:

  • Conversion of Argonaut High School into a countywide junior high (grades 7–9)
  • Conversion of Amador High School into a countywide high school (grades 10–12)
  • Repurposing Jackson Junior High School to house the Adult Education Program and the Adult Transition Program (ages 18–22)
  • Conversion of Ione Junior High School into the new Ione Elementary School through a three-year phased transition, ultimately closing the current Ione Elementary campus
  • Consolidation of the two Sutter Creek campuses into one TK–6 elementary site at the Sutter Creek Elementary campus, with the closure of Sutter Creek Primary

This page will continue to evolve as the District receives environmental consultant proposals, advances through the CEQA process, and engages with the community on the design and implementation of the new consolidation plan.

Consolidation Contact:

Jared Critchfield
Superintendent, ACUSD
jcritchfield@acusd.org

Documents and Information

Educational Benefits of Consolidation Presentations:

Reimagining School Configuration
On July 23, 2025, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Patty Horn presented a review of the academic, developmental, and operational implications of the 6-3-3 model (elementary TK–6, junior high 7–9, high school 10–12).

Exploring CTE in Junior High
On August 6, 2025, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Patty Horn and Career Technical Education Director Nicole Gravette provided a presentation highlighting new and expanded Career Technical Education (CTE) opportunities for junior high students. By introducing CTE pathways earlier, students can explore interests, build foundational skills, and connect classroom learning to real-world applications. These opportunities aim to strengthen student engagement, provide career awareness, and better prepare students for high school, postsecondary education, and the workforce.

Unlocking Potential – Special Education
On October 8, 2025, Dr. Hedegard presented an overview of the legal commitment Local Education Agencies (LEA) have to students who qualify for special education and discussed opportunities presented by reimagining school configuration.

 

Consolidation Analysis
Over the past several years, the Board has reviewed enrollment trends, facility capacity, and fiscal data related to secondary school consolidation. The District is no longer pursuing the original large-scale consolidation project for which an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) had been initiated. Instead, discussions have focused on a new reconfiguration model that would utilize existing campuses—designating Amador High School for grades 10–12 and Argonaut High School for grades 7–9. This model would require only minor facility adjustments, including the addition of two portable classrooms. District staff anticipate pursuing a Mitigated Negative Declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and developing a Transportation Demand Management Plan to address traffic and circulation considerations. This item is presented for Board discussion only; no action will be taken at this meeting.

Consolidating Athletics
The Amador County Unified School District currently maintains two comprehensive high school athletic programs, each offering more than 20 sports. While both schools provide strong opportunities for student-athletes, declining participation and roster size challenges have led to inconsistent program offerings and increased reliance on younger players at the varsity level. A potential merger of the athletic programs would address these concerns by increasing roster depth, expanding opportunities for new sports, and creating a more competitive and sustainable program. The presentation outlines both the challenges—such as loss of traditional rivalries, startup costs, and logistical adjustments—and the benefits, including enhanced safety, improved equity of access, stronger community pride, and long-term financial efficiencies.

7-9 & 10-12 Grades Model Facilities Analysis
On July 23, 2025, Superintendent Jared Critchfield presented an overview of the current facilities and enrollment, including a side-by-side comparison of the Amador and Argonaut campuses.

Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) Report – 2025

In April 2025, the Amador County Unified School District (ACUSD) entered into an agreement with the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) to conduct a Fiscal Health Risk Analysis (FHRA) of the unified school district. This engagement was triggered by the ACUSD's third consecutive qualified interim financial report certification (2023-24 Second Interim, 2024-25 First Interim, and 2024-25 Second Interim), as per state budget act provisions.

The FHRA aims to evaluate the ACUSD's fiscal health and identify its specific risk rating for fiscal insolvency over the current and subsequent two fiscal years. FCMAT's analysis utilizes 20 key factors, which are common indicators of fiscal risk observed in local educational agencies that have neared insolvency.

Facilities Utilization Master Plan

A Facilities Utilization Master Plan is a vital document that informs decisions about future facility needs, especially in the context of rapidly evolving education. This planning process involves extensive research and consultation with experts. Successful planning is flexible and based on reliable data, always considering the evolving needs of students. It’s important to acknowledge limited funding from both state and local sources, which necessitates realistic expectations for modernization, new construction, and replacements. The master plan serves as a foundation, providing information on facilities, their condition, demographics, and potential funding sources while remaining adaptable to changes in student population, curriculum, and the economic environment.

History of Consolidation

Starting in 2013, a committee of 36 education partners met for almost a year to provide feedback on facility needs for ACUSD.  In 2014, a 7-11 committee was formed, and a formal recommendation was made to the Board in 2015. This document outlines the history of board actions regarding consolidation from 2013 to May 2024.

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Information

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires school districts to evaluate whether major facility changes – such as consolidations, repurposing school sites, construction projects, or closures – could affect the environment. Under the consolidation plan adopted in 2023, the District completed extensive technical studies and prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR). Because the Board ultimately chose to reevaluate the overall consolidation approach, the Draft EIR was never finalized or presented for certification.

Although the District is now pursuing a new direction for consolidation, the substantial work completed for the previous Draft EIR remains valuable. CEQA permits public agencies to rely on existing studies and data when evaluating a revised project, provided the information remains accurate and applicable. This means the prior traffic studies, environmental analyses, site assessments, and other technical reports can serve as the foundation for evaluating the new plan.

District staff will bring forward a recommendation for selecting an environmental consultant to conduct the CEQA analysis for the updated consolidation proposal. Once selected, the consultant will:

  • review the previous Draft EIR and its technical studies,
  • determine which components can be reused,
  • identify any new or updated information needed, and
  • recommend the appropriate level of CEQA documentation for the revised plan.

Given the nature of the new consolidation direction and based on preliminary review, it is possible that the District may not need to complete a full Environmental Impact Report. Depending on the consultant’s analysis, the project could qualify for:

  • a CEQA exemption,
  • a Negative Declaration (ND) if no significant environmental impacts are anticipated, or
  • a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) if any potential impacts can be fully mitigated.

The exact pathway will be determined once the consultant completes its review. No final decisions regarding school closures, repurposing, or construction will be made until the CEQA process is completed, publicly reviewed, and brought before the Board.

 

Timeline of Board Actions

November 12, 2025 – Adoption of Resolution 2025/2026-09 Rescinding Former Consolidation Plan and Recommending Evaluation of the New Consolidation Plan
The Amador County Unified School District (ACUSD) Board of Trustees adopted Resolution No. 2025/2026-09, which rescinded the former consolidation plan (Resolution No. 2022/2023-10) that had been approved on January 18, 2023.
The Board decided to rescind the original plan after extensive engagement with community members and stakeholders, allowing for the examination of other consolidation options that would best benefit the community.
The resolution directs District staff to evaluate a New Consolidation Plan to maximize the use of facilities and enhance student achievement, given stagnant enrollment and financial considerations. Key potential elements of this new plan include:

  • The potential conversion of Argonaut High School into a countywide Junior High School serving grades 7 through 9.
  • The potential conversion of Amador High School to serve as the countywide High School enrolling students in grades 10 through 12.
  • The potential repurposing of Jackson Junior High School for the District’s Adult Education Program and the Adult Transition Program (ages 18 to 22).
  • The potential conversion of Ione Junior High School to the new Ione Elementary School through a three-year phased process.
  • District staff is authorized to seek proposals to complete the necessary environmental analysis (related to CEQA) for the New Consolidation Plan and continue community engagement.


October 28, 2025 – Adoption of Resolution 2025/2026-07 Directing the Defeasance of the 2024 Certificates of Participation; Approving a Supplemental Agreement to Trust Agreement and an Escrow Agreement; and Authorizing and Directing Related Actions
Agenda item & support documents

The District’s 2024 Certificates of Participation (“Certificates”) were issued January 30, 2024, in order to finance the District’s campus consolidation (the “Planned Project”). Because circumstances have changed since the time of issuance of the Certificates, including substantial changes to the District’s consolidation plans, the proceeds of the Certificates remain unexpended. Due also to changes in the District’s consolidation plans, it is no longer feasible to finance the Planned Project or any other eligible facilities project. Accordingly, the District now recommends that the Board direct that the proceeds of the Certificates not be expended on any facilities project, and instead be used to pay off the Certificates through a defeasance and discharge, by depositing all funds now held under the Trust Agreement for the Certificates into an Escrow Fund to be established under an Escrow Agreement. Because the Certificates were issued as a tax-exempt governmental bond, pursuant to the IRS code and related regulations, the proceeds of the Certificates must be expended for qualified governmental purposes (generally, public facilities projects). This Resolution will constitute a “deliberate action” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 1.141-45, because it authorizes a nonqualified use of the Certificate proceeds. Accordingly, after adoption of the Resolution, the District must take remedial action to cure the nonqualified use and preserve the tax-exempt status of the Certificates. Here, the applicable remedial action is the defeasance of the Certificates within 90 days of the deliberate action. In addition to authorizing and directing the use of Certificate proceeds to defease and discharge the Certificates, the Resolution approves the Escrow Agreement and the Second Supplemental Agreement to Trust Agreement, each in substantially the forms attached to the Resolution as exhibits.

Motion made by: Ken Farrar
Motion seconded by: Shane Crowe
Voting:
Kayla Parker – Yes
James Marzano – Yes
Shane Crowe – Yes
Ken Farrar – Yes
Peter Gale – Yes
Claire Kay – Yes

Previous Board Actions:

  • Agenda item and support documents

    As directed by the Board and in response to the comment letters received by the District as part of the environmental review process for the school consolidation project, staff presented to the Board for approval three contracts with Dudek, ECORP, and Kittelson. These contracts are to allow for further study and analysis of the environmental conditions related to the school consolidation project. The scope of work for the contract with Dudek is to prepare a study evaluating the impact of school consolidation on water and wastewater infrastructure within the project area. The scope of work for the ECORP Consulting, Inc. contract is to prepare a study evaluating the biological and ecological components of consolidation. These contracts were initially identified as mitigation measures to be completed by the District after project approval. However, at the Board’s direction and in recognition of public comment on this matter, the District proposed completing these studies prior to the publication of the Final EIR for school consolidation. The scope of work for the contract with Kittelson & Associates, Inc. is to prepare a study analyzing traffic flow that may be affected by school consolidation. Watch the recorded discussion of this item here.

    Motion made by: Jim Whitaker
    Motion seconded by: Shane Crowe
    Voting:
    Julia Burns – Yes
    Jim Whitaker – Yes
    James Marzano – No
    Kayla Parker – Yes
    Shane Crowe – Yes

  • Agenda item and support documents

    The board conducted a joint study session with the Amador County Transportation Commission to review and discuss the traffic impacts of consolidation. Watch the recorded study session here. 

  • Agenda item and support documents

    The board extended the 45-day public review period by an additional 15 days, creating a new review period with an end date of February 13, 2024. Watch the recorded discussion of this item here.

    Motion made by: Shane Crowe – Trustee
    Motion seconded by: Jim Whitaker – Trustee (Clerk)
    Voting:
    Julia Burns – Trustee (President) – Yes
    Jim Whitaker – Trustee (Clerk) – Yes
    James Marzano – Trustee – Not Present
    Kayla Parker – Trustee – Yes
    Shane Crowe – Trustee – Yes
    Maeve Klement – Student Advisory Vote – Yes

  • Agenda item and support documents

    Placeworks conducted a board workshop to discuss the findings in the DEIR to allow the board time for review prior to the 45 public review period. Watch the recorded meeting here.

  • Agenda item & support documents

    Per the request of the board from the previous meeting, the community and staff/student surveys were launched and analyzed. Amador County High School Mustangs with the colors of Navy and Gold were overwhelmingly favored, which makes this the logical choice as well as the most cost-efficient for the district. The board approved this outcome and this will be the name, mascot, and colors for the consolidated high school.
    Watch the recorded discussion of this item here.

    Motion made by: Shane Crowe
    Motion seconded by: Maeve Klement
    Voting:
    James Marzano – No
    Julia Burns – Yes
    Jim Whitaker – Yes
    Shane Crowe – Yes
    Maeve Klement – Yes
    Kayla Parker – No

  • Agenda item & support documents

    Student Board members, Dr. Gibson, and Mr. Brewer updated the Board on previous voting and meetings with ASB classes. The final vote is scheduled for November 9th, with Board approval expected in December. A ballot was circulated among 5th – 12th grade students and high school staff, incorporating community input from ThoughtExchange. Despite Amador County High School with the Mustang mascot being initially popular, 61% of students and staff preferred a different name, and 70% preferred a different mascot. Both ASB classes recommended a full rebranding, opting for Lightning Bolts and Mountain Lion as mascot options, and agreed upon 3 new color options.
    Watch the recorded discussion of this item here.

    The board directed district staff to run one more survey to include community input once again. The direction was to run two identical ballots: one for students and staff and one for the community. The survey will be run the following week and the results will be reviewed at the next meeting.

  • Agenda item & support documents

    This agenda item contains attached documents with details regarding the updated process for naming, choosing a mascot, and selecting colors for the consolidated high school. Data was collected and meetings were held that will present the current standing for the Board to discuss the next steps for this process.
    Watch the recorded discussion of this item here.

    The board members agreed to have a student and staff-only survey created using the ThoughtExchange data and review the results at the next meeting.

  • Agenda item & support documents

    The district is undertaking a naming and branding process for the new consolidated junior high and high school. Emphasizing consistency, a collaboration with Varsity Brands Impact Program will help us design logos and mascots for all schools.
    This agreement with Varsity Brands Impact Program will be a collaborative process in the design of school logos and mascots. This process will include trademarking of all logos after the design phase. The district must commit to a 5-year preferred partnership with Varsity Brands and its affiliates, giving the district free access to various resources listed in the attachments.
    Watch the recorded discussion of this item here.

    Motion made by: Jim Whitaker
    Motion seconded by: Shane Crowe
    Voting:
    James Marzano – Yes
    Julia Burns – Yes
    Jim Whitaker – Yes
    Shane Crowe – Yes
    Maeve Klement – Not Present
    Kayla Parker – Yes

  • Agenda item & support documents

    The timeline document was created to outline the process for choosing the name, mascot, and colors for the consolidated high school. Student participation was highlighted as an important part of the process.
    Watch the recorded discussion of this item here.

    Presentation only – no board action was taken.

  • Agenda item & support documents

    On February 8, 2023, plans for a countywide high school at Argonaut High School were approved. To accommodate the expected enrollment of 9-12th graders without a bond, construction projects were scaled down. On March 8, 2023, plans for converting Ione Junior High into the new Ione Elementary School for preschool to 6th grade were approved, with similar adjustments due to funding constraints. Other projects include a countywide junior high at Amador High School, Jackson Junior High becoming a County Preschool Center, and Sutter Creek Elementary expanding to include Sutter Creek Primary. The School Closure/Consolidation Program needs clearance under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The approval of this item is the first step in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process.
    Watch the recorded discussion of this item here.

    Motion made by: Kayla Parker
    Motion seconded by: Shane Crowe
    Voting:
    James Marzano – Yes
    Jim Whitaker – Yes
    Shane Crowe – Yes
    Kayla Parker – Yes

  • Agenda item & support documents

    To fund the $15 million consolidation project, the district is considering Certificates of Participation (COP), with potential matching funds from the School Facilities Program (SFP). Following external review and addressing concerns raised by the County Auditor, the Board can now consider a resolution to authorize the 2023 COP issuance. The proposed lease-backed COP, using district property, involves an 18-month prepaid interest period, and annual repayments of $1,245,000 from the General Fund for approximately 18.5 years. Projected annual savings of $1,300,000 aim to offset COP repayments, and the Board’s approval allows for up to $16.75 million to cover a reserve fund, issuance costs, and prepaid interest, without committing to issuance but authorizing the continuation of the process.
    Watch the recorded discussion of this item here.

    Motion made by: Shane Crowe
    Motion seconded by: Preston Smith
    Voting:
    James Marzano – Yes
    Julia Burns – Yes
    Jim Whitaker – Yes
    Shane Crowe – Yes
    Maeve Klement – Yes
    Kayla Parker – Yes
    Preston Smith – Yes

  • Agenda item & support documents

    The Amador Unified School District Board of Trustees passed a resolution on January 18, 2023, establishing the consolidation of schools, including converting the Ione Jr. High School campus into the new Ione Elementary School serving students from preschool through the 6th grade.  Without the passage of a bond, the district administration scaled down the new construction projects at this campus to create the classroom space necessary for the anticipated enrollment of approximately 625 elementary students in August of 2025.
    Watch the recorded discussion of this item here.

    Motion made by: Shane Crowe
    Motion seconded by: Maeve Klement
    Voting:
    James Marzano – Yes
    Julia Burns – Yes
    Jim Whitaker – Yes
    Shane Crowe – Yes
    Maeve Klement – Yes
    Kayla Parker – Yes

  • Agenda item & support documents

    The Amador Unified School District Board of Trustees passed a resolution on January 18, 2023, establishing the consolidation of schools, including a county-wide high school at the current Argonaut High School campus. Without the passage of a bond, the district administration scaled down the new construction projects at the consolidated high school to create the classroom space necessary for the anticipated enrollment of approximately 1,250 high school students in August of 2025.
    Watch the recorded discussion of this item here.

    Motion made by: Preston Smith
    Motion seconded by: Julia Burns
    Voting:
    James Marzano – Not Present
    Julia Burns – Yes
    Jim Whitaker – Not Present
    Shane Crowe – Yes
    Maeve Klement – Yes
    Kayla Parker – No
    Preston Smith – Yes

  • Agenda item & support documents

    The district continues to be challenged by the condition of aging facilities along with the number of schools and campuses in proportion to its enrollment. In May of 2022, the Board approved the consolidation plan as set forth by district administration in preparation for the November 2022 bond measure. The attached resolution establishes the future of school consolidation including the location and combination of schools. The educational opportunities, counseling, and other support services will all be enhanced as resources are focused on fewer overall facilities.
    Due to internet issues at the Amador County Administrative Building, we were not able to livestream this meeting.

    Motion made by: James Marzano
    Motion seconded by: Shane Crowe
    Voting:
    James Marzano – Yes
    Julia Burns – No
    Jim Whitaker – Yes
    Shane Crowe – Yes
    Maeve Klement – Yes
    Kayla Parker – Yes

  • Agenda item & support documents

    School capacity for each of the consolidated schools was presented to the board back in May when consolidation was approved. After months of working with the District’s architect, CA Design West, modifications have been made to some of the plans presented. The attached document shows updated capacities for the consolidated schools, along with projected enrollment and construction timelines.
    Watch the recorded discussion of this item here.

    Discussion only – no board action taken.

  • Agenda item & support documents

    On May 11, 2022, the ACUSD Board of Trustees met to formally discuss school consolidation and the possibility of a bond measure for facility needs. This item is an extension from the May 11, 2022 item as all Board members requested staff bring back additional information to support the request to approve the consolidation of schools. The information presented focused on the many academic benefits of consolidation and provided additional information regarding facilities projects.
    Watch the recorded discussion of this item here.

    Motion made by: James Marzano
    Motion Seconded by: Kandi Thompson
    Voting:
    Julia Burns – No
    James Marzano – Yes
    Deborah Pulskamp – Yes
    Preston Smith – Yes
    Kandi Thompson – Yes
    Jim Whitaker – Yes
    Ryan Billingsley – No

  • Agenda item & support documents

    The purpose of this item is to evaluate the immediate and long-term needs of ACUSD so the Board can make an informed decision regarding consolidation and the details of calling for a bond to sustain our facilities.  The board requested staff bring back additional information to support the request to approve school consolidation.
    Watch the recorded discussion of this item here.

    Motion made by: Kandi Thompson
    Motion seconded by: James Marzano
    Voting:
    Motion failed 2-3 with discussion after.  The Board unanimously agreed to bring back the item for a vote due to the item inadvertently being placed under Discussion Items versus Discussion/Action Items on the agenda.

  • She requests the board schedule a special study session to talk about facilities.
    Watch the recorded discussion of this item here.

    Report only – no board action was taken.

  • Agenda items and supporting documents

    Starting in 2013, a committee of 36 education partners met for almost a year to provide feedback on facility needs for ACUSD.  In 2014, a 7-11 committee was formed, and a formal recommendation was made to the Board in 2015.

    • March 6, 2013 (Regular Board Meeting)
      • Item 12.3 Information Only – Guidelines to Select Members for District Study Committee
    • March 14, 2013 (Special Board Meeting – (9:00 am)
      • Item 6.3 Re-Configuration District Study Committee Composition
    • March 27, 2013 (Regular Board Meeting)
      • Item 13.4 ACUSD Re-Configuration District Study Committee Composition
    • February 12, 2014 (Regular Board Meeting)
      • Item 9.4 District Study Committee Update
    • May 14, 2014 (Regular Board Meeting)
      • Item 14.1 Reconfiguration Report- Report and Discussion (Possible Cost Savings Per Opinion and Special Education Needs for Each Option) – Informational and Discussion
    • May 28, 2014 (Regular Board Meeting)
      • Item 14.2 Re-Configuration Report – Report and Discussion on Sports and Activity Participation at the Comprehensive High Schools (Information and Discussion Only)
      • Item 14.3 7-11 Committee Formation to Review Re-Configuration Possibilities
    • April 8, 2015 (Regular Board Meeting)
      • Item 9.2 7-11 Committee Presentation – Re-Configuration Final Report
    • April 22, 2015 (Regular Board Meeting)
      • Item 16. 1 Discussion – 7-11 Committee Final Report
    • November 16, 2016 (Regular Board Meeting)
      • Item 6.5 Resolution Number 2016-2017-011 Resolve to Retain All Comprehensive High Schools and Junior High Schools

Previous Consolidation Plan Information Archive

This page contains archived information from the District’s previous consolidation efforts, including materials developed between 2022 and 2025 under the former consolidation plan. Because the Board has rescinded the 2023 plan and the District is now evaluating a new consolidation direction, the resources on this page are provided for historical context only. These documents reflect earlier proposals, studies, and community engagement processes and are not part of the District’s current work. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the main Consolidation Information page.

School Consolidation Archives