School board mulls stipend hike

MAT-SU - School board members haven't had a pay raise in nearly 20 years, and some are saying it is time to at least take another look at the policy.

During a recent work session of the Mat-Su Borough School Board, member Linda Menard pointed out that the current stipend of $275 per month for most members and $300 per month for the board president has gone unchanged since 1982.

The monthly salary covers an average of two meetings per month, with per diem and travel expenses paid separately for approved trips away from home. Board members are also eligible for the same health insurance benefits available to non-unionized employees in the district's central office.

Menard said when she first was elected, another member commented on the lack of pay increases. At the time, Menard said, she was not concerned.

"But the years have gone by," she said. "It is something we at least need to look at."

Assistant Superintendent of Finance Bob Doyle told the board that the long delay may in part be due to confusion over existing board policy stating members cannot vote on items from which they personally could benefit.

Board member Rob Wells, who previously served on the Mat-Su Borough Assembly, said the issue has not been a problem for either the assembly or the Legislature, which have both approved raises for themselves over the years.

"But I'm kind of mixed about it, as I'm sure other members are," Wells said.

Menard admitted the idea of the board giving itself a raise may prove to be controversial, and she suggested the policy could be changed so that an independent committee could decide if an increase is due.

"We might as a body choose to leave it, but I think we at least need to revisit it," Menard said.

Looking at other districts around the state, some board members fare worse than Mat-Su while others make more. Board members in the Kenai Peninsula School District are paid $180 per month, and the president receives $270. The board meets around 18 times each year.

Farther north, however, school board members meet more often and make more money. In Fairbanks, board members receive $400 per month and have as many as four to six meetings each month.

According to Fairbanks school district officials, the local school board decided several years ago to increase the monthly stipend from $150 to the current $400. While some people in the community argued that board members should serve without compensation, others said the increase was appropriate.

Closer to home, Mat-Su Borough Assembly members are paid a salary of $500 per month and the borough mayor receives more than $800 per month.