Provo school board approves increase to $750 monthly stipend for members

The Provo City School District Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to increase the monthly stipend paid to board members from about $480 to $750, with an additional $150 for board leadership positions. The increase, approved at a public hearing held at 280 West 940 North, followed a presentation by Superintendent Wendy Dow explaining the district’s rationale and a brief board discussion before the vote. Superintendent Wendy Dow said the district asked the board to consider the change to recognize the workload board members perform. “We are proposing a raise to $750 a month with an additional amount for board leadership of an additional $150,” Dow said, adding board members often put in “over 50 hours of work, every single month” on committee work, school visits and other duties. Board member Melanie Hall, who moved to approve the change, described a personal reason for supporting the raise. “I was a little jealous that the Ogden Board Members got a raise, and I'm like, what? We only get $480 a month. That's not fair,” Hall said, later adding that the stipend should not be a barrier for potential future candidates. Motion and vote: Board member Terry McCabe moved to approve the compensation adjustment. Vice President Gina Hales seconded the motion. The board voted “aye” unanimously; the motion passed. Why it matters: Board members argued the stipend better aligns compensation with the expected time commitment and helps reduce barriers to service. The board also updated its policy language on compensation during the meeting to align with state law and the newly adopted amounts. What’s next: The updated compensation was approved at the meeting and will be reflected in the district’s policy and payroll processes. The board approved the motion in open session and adjourned the compensation hearing before continuing other business.