Wayzata board signals support to place 2.74% board‑stipend adjustment on January agenda

The Wayzata Public School District board discussed whether to raise board member stipends by 2.74%, a figure tied to the district funding‑formula/Cost‑of‑Living adjustments. The chair said the item had been discussed before and that the board should decide whether to apply a modest annual increase. "I think 2.7% makes sense," the chair said, noting the change could be reversed in future years if the board chooses.

Members split between those who favored keeping the stipend level to contain costs and those who argued modest compensation helps make public office accessible to people who cannot afford uncompensated service. One board member said higher stipends can offset campaign costs and childcare burdens. "There are a lot of people out there who can't afford to hold public office because they have to work a second job," a member said in support of a modest increase.

A rough district estimate discussed at the table put the fiscal impact at about $756 in total annual cost (board member estimate). The board did not vote on the increase at the meeting; instead the chair said the 2.74% adjustment would be placed on the January agenda for a formal vote. "This is obviously not a vote — we are not voting on this right now, but this has to be approved in January," the chair said.

Next steps: administration will add the item to the January board agenda with supporting cost details for a formal vote; no policy change was adopted at tonight's meeting.