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Board approves stepped pay increase for trustees after contentious debate
Summary
After a lengthy governance discussion, the board approved an eight-year step plan raising member pay from $500 gradually toward the $1,200 statutory cap; trustees split 3-2 over timing and a requested self-evaluation policy.
The Cabrillo Unified School District board voted March 12 to adopt a stepped board-compensation schedule authorized under AB 1390, approving a phased increase that would begin at $500 per month and rise by $100 annually until reaching the statutory maximum of $1,200 per month.
Superintendent Dr. Miramontes presented the proposal as a structured, fiscally responsible approach to modernizing trustee compensation following recent changes to education code. Supporters said higher compensation can broaden the candidate pool, acknowledge the time commitment of governance and align trustee pay trajectories with staff compensation progressions. Opponents raised concerns about timing, community perception and the absence of a recent board self-evaluation cycle. Several trustees asked that the board adopt a formal self-evaluation process and set board goals before approving large increases.
After debate that included requests to delay until after the next election or until a self-evaluation is scheduled, the motion to adopt the proposed compensation schedule passed on a recorded vote of 3 in favor and 2 opposed. The board recorded that some long-serving members would reach the statutory maximum under the phased schedule sooner than newer members by design of the progression.
Trustees agreed to schedule board-goal work (with a CSBA facilitator planned) and to return with a timeline for periodic self-evaluation. The board did not change any other governance policies at the meeting.
