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Panel debates raising school board pay, childcare and mandatory training in SB 5860
Summary
SB 5860 would raise authorized school board pay and add childcare as an allowable expense while requiring a finance training; supporters said modest compensation and training broaden participation, critics warned about levy/LEA fund misuse and possible conflicts of interest.
Senator Cortez introduced Senate Bill 5860, which raises the amount a school director may receive from $50 to $100 per day and increases the annual cap from $4,800 to $13,750; the bill authorizes (but does not require) districts to pay childcare expenses when directors attend meetings and directs the Office of Financial Management to review compensation amounts every five years.
Alex Fair Fortune, committee staff, summarized the bill's training provisions directing the Washington State School Directors Association (WASDA) to develop a funded training program on school district finance; the requirement is subject to funding and null and void if not provided.
Tyler Munch (OSPI) and Dr. Heather Curl (Washington State School Directors Association) testified that modest compensation recognizes time and costs associated with board service and could widen the candidate pool. Dr. Curl cautioned existing trainings are often optional and fee‑based; she said the current training content the bill references is offered in multiple three‑hour modules and provided an example cost: "$90 virtual or $100 in person" for one existing three‑hour session.
Charlie Brown, representing South Sound superintendents, supported the bill as a way to retain qualified directors for districts with large budgets and heavy oversight responsibilities. Senator Cortez emphasized the bill authorizes compensation rather than mandating it.
Opponents raised funding and legal concerns. A remote testifier representing Citizens Against Unfair Taxes questioned adding childcare and other benefits on top of raises. John Axtell, a citizen, argued the bill would permit improper use of enrichment levy and LEA funds to pay board expenses and recommended amending the bill to prohibit levy funding for director compensation, referencing state RCWs. The sponsor and committee exchange clarified that compensation is authorized, not required, but the funding source question remains a major point of contention for some testifiers.
No fiscal note had been produced at the hearing, and the committee did not take a final vote on SB 5860.
