Santa Clara Unified trustees approve stipend increase to $1,500 despite dissent
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Summary
After debate about timing during a 'rightsizing' period, the board voted 5–2 to raise monthly trustee stipends to $1,500, with trustees Muirhead and Watanabe dissenting. Supporters said the increase helps recruit diverse candidates.
The Santa Clara Unified School District board voted 5–2 to increase monthly trustee compensation to $1,500.
Trustee Fairchild, who moved the increase, argued higher pay reduces barriers for people who cannot afford to serve, saying the stipend “is necessary... to continue to attract people to run for board.” Several trustees emphasized the long hours and uncompensated obligations of trusteeship.
Opponents said the timing was poor while the district is implementing rightsizing and budget reductions. Trustee Watanabe said a pay increase during rightsizing “doesn't feel like the right time.”
The motion passed on a roll-call vote with trustees Muirhead and Watanabe voting no; the board president announced the measure passed 5–2.