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Board debates pay levels, proposes keeping FY26 compensation unchanged pending review before next election
Summary
Board members discussed raising school board compensation for fiscal 2026 at a Jan. 21 prep‑for‑action item. Several directors argued raises help broaden candidate diversity; others urged fiscal caution and suggested limiting any increase to the district's 3% budget target or deferring adjustments to apply only to newly elected members.
The Independent School District 535 school board discussed possible changes to member compensation during a Jan. 21 preparatory item ahead of a future vote.
Chair Nathan reviewed Minnesota statute language that allows boards to set their own compensation and reminded members the board last set pay in May 2021 at $16,000 per member with a $1,600 chair stipend. Several directors argued higher pay can lower barriers to service: Director Whitehorn said compensation can “keep some communities away, from participating,” and Director Wacker noted compensation affects who can afford to run. Director Barlow and others said the current amount does not fully cover members' time and commitment.
Other board members urged prudence. Treasurer Cook and Director Wertheim cautioned about fiscal context and asked where additional compensation would come from, noting contract renewals and projected deficits. Director McLaughlin and others described the role as demanding and noted members often take personal leave or manage other jobs to attend meetings and conferences.
The board discussed possible approaches: (1) maintain current $16,000 for FY26 and revisit before the 2026 election; (2) adopt a modest increase tied to the district's 3% budget wage target (to $16,480); or (3) set a higher adjustment intended to make up for prior years of no increase (figures discussed ranged higher). Some members proposed that any increase take effect only for members elected after 2026 so current members would not be raising their own pay mid‑term.
No final vote was taken. Chair Nathan said she will bring a resolution to the next meeting proposing to keep compensation at $16,000 for FY26 and continue collecting data and options for the board to consider next January, before the 2026 election cycle.
