Hermiston School Board tables policy on member stipends, seeks public input
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Summary
After an extended second-reading discussion of Policy BHD (board member stipends and reimbursements), the Hermiston School District board agreed to table the policy and solicit public feedback, setting a deadline of no later than June to return with specifics.
The Hermiston School District board on Monday discussed Policy BHD, which would establish a framework for board member stipends and reimbursements, but took no final vote and instead agreed to table the measure until no later than June.
The policy was presented as a study item during its second reading; Superintendent Doctor Mooney said the document came via OSBA guidance and that the current agenda item was intended to continue the conversation, not to finalize language. Board members debated whether a stipend should be allowed and how it would be funded, with one member noting the discussion posed a conflict-of-interest question for board members.
Board member (Speaker 5) said, “it's all a conflict of interest for us and as we noted in the notes,” framing ethical concerns about compensating elected board members. Other members pushed for public engagement and comparison with other districts. One board member referenced a previously cited figure of roughly $500 per month as a potential maximum and noted a city council comparison of $100, while another raised that such stipends could total “a 10 to $42,000 expense” depending on structure.
Several members supported delaying action to gather more information, invite public comment and consult legal counsel on language. Board member (Speaker 10) moved to table the policy and set a deadline for returning to the matter; the board agreed that the item will be brought back no later than June and that staff will develop options for public engagement (surveys, dedicated meeting time or retreat discussion).
The board characterized the item as procedural at this point: the policy framework would not automatically mean current board members receive stipends if the board later adopts specific amounts or effective dates. Superintendent Mooney said the board could set policy language now and later determine funding during the budget process. The board also agreed to discuss public outreach at the upcoming retreat.
Next steps: staff will compile comparative examples, refine draft language as needed and propose public-engagement methods prior to the June deadline. No stipend amount was adopted and no appropriations were made at the meeting.