Trustees passed a motion increasing their salary by $660 a year at last night’s (Tuesday) School District 57 Board Meeting.
The 3.1% increase adds $4,620 to the operating budget and will give each trustee an additional $55 monthly.
“Since 2019, remuneration for the chairperson can be increased as a gridlift directed by the BC School Employer Association,” explained Trustee and past Chair of the board, Tim Bennett.
“This is coming forward as a minor update, due to the fact that our current policy dictates how remuneration is increased for trustees,” added Bennett.
A number of trustees believe the increase in salary will draw more appropriate, qualified people to the position in the future.
The board did consider other ways to re-evaluate their salaries such as tying their pay changes to the BC Teachers Federation.
“Some districts tie it to what their city council counterparts make, that’s how you have trustees in one district making almost $60,000 a year,” Bennett explained.
While the increase was supported overall by the Board members, Trustee Sharel Warrington shared some concerns.
“I just feel very strongly that we’re setting an example, I know it’s not a lot of money but we have received quite an increase this past year,” Warrington refers to the previous 2% increase.
Few highlights from tonight’s @SD57PG (#sd57)Board Meeting.
– Board approved 3.1% remuneration increase ($55/trustee/month with total budget impact of $4600). Aligns with board policy 8230 (increase aligns with increases approved by PSEC for exempt). Trustee to $19,662 1/
— Tim Bennett (@tiben12) November 25, 2020