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New Kent board debates using unused member stipends for scholarships, athletics and training
Summary
Board members discussed how to allocate the board’s annual professional development allotment — proposals included a per-member stipend, a discretionary travel fund, scholarships for students and donations to athletics; no final appropriation was adopted, and administration was asked to review legalities and return with options.
Board members on May 19 discussed options for spending the school board’s annual allotment for member professional development and related discretionary funds, including a proposal to use unused funds for student scholarships and athletic donations.
The board’s finance summary shows a total annual allotment commonly used for conference fees, BoardDocs, meals and incidental costs. One board member proposed $750 per member for continuing education with a portion set aside as a discretionary travel or contingency fund and the remainder allocated to scholarships or athletic support. “We can reframe how it is here… If anybody wants to throw out another number, please do that,” the member said.
Members debated whether travel should be separately funded, the legal requirements for required training, and whether professional development dollars should be tightly tied to demonstrable benefit to the board. One member noted that the only legally required training is FOIA, which is available online, and urged frugality. “I’m reluctant to spend money on any professional training… I think it should be frugal,” a member said.
Administration told the board staff would research legalities and return with a framework. The finance staff clarified that $2,700 listed as "board services" covers BoardDocs Lite subscriptions and is not available for reallocation. Members suggested dividing the pool (example figures discussed: $750 per member, $125 discretionary pool, remainder for scholarships/athletics) and asked administration to confirm what uses are permissible.
No vote was taken. The board chair asked members to send individual suggestions by email so staff could present a recommended structure at a later meeting.
