Fairfield‑Suisun board approves trustee pay increase to $2,000 a month

The Fairfield‑Suisun Unified School District governing board voted to raise trustee compensation to the statutory maximum of up to $2,000 per month after discussion on budget impact and equity.

Board President Tilly introduced the item and said trustee compensation had not been amended since 1984. Trustee Flynn moved to approve the full $2,000 amount and the motion received a second; the motion carried after votes in favor. Trustee Duarte asked whether the motion was for the full $2,000 or “up to” $2,000 and raised concerns about the impact on district finances, noting his rough estimate of a roughly $168,000 annual cost. Trustee Sugio and others argued the change promotes equity and helps recruit candidates who otherwise could not afford to serve.

Trustee Piquel and other board members framed the change as a way to reduce barriers to service for younger and lower‑income trustees, while some members urged staff to examine benefit parity and long‑term affordability. President Tilly said the board considered the law and decided to apply the maximum allowed. The student board member recorded a preferential aye vote as part of the roll call.

The motion passed with aye votes; no recorded member votes were read aloud with individual yes/no tallies beyond the board's verbal assent.

The next step called for administrative implementation to adjust payroll and for staff to reflect the change in multiyear budget projections during the district’s interim reporting cycle. The board did not specify a date when the increased compensation takes effect in the discussion recorded.