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Unions and residents urge trustees to reject large stipend increase as board reviews new state law
Summary
Union leaders and community members sharply criticized a proposal to raise trustee stipends to $2,000 per month under newly amended state law, calling the timing inappropriate amid fiscal-stabilization concerns and workforce pay grievances; the board treated the item as information and did not vote to adopt a change at this meeting.
Hacienda La Puente Unified trustees heard strong opposition from employee associations and community members to a potential increase in board stipends to $2,000 per month following a change in state law.
Leaders of the Hacienda La Puente Teachers Association, CSEA and SEIU told the board the proposed 150% increase (from $800 to $2,000) is inappropriate at a time of fiscal stabilization, declining enrollment and ongoing negotiations over staff compensation. "At a time when the district is focused on fiscal stabilization… the proposal is deeply misaligned with those priorities," HLPTA President Dani Tucker said. Margaret Caldera of CSEA described classified employees carrying heavy out‑of‑pocket medical costs and urged the board to prioritize employees before increasing trustees’ stipends. Laura Silva, chief steward for SEIU Local 99, warned that the timing would send the wrong message amid hiring and retention challenges.
Superintendent Roach explained that the change stems from an amendment to state law (referenced in the meeting as an assembly bill and Ed Code section 35120) that increased the statutory maximum effective 01/01/2026; he said the board placed the item on the agenda as an informational item so the community could be aware. Several trustees discussed fairness and access: supporters argued modest increases help diversify who can serve on local boards, while opponents said the district should first address employees’ pay and benefits.
No formal action was taken on the stipend at this meeting; trustees debated the language and public testimony. Unions urged trustees to reject the increase or delay any action until the district’s fiscal stabilization and workforce issues were resolved. "We believe implementing a 150% increase in board stipends at this time is not appropriate," Silva said.
Next steps: Item 7.02b remained informational at this meeting. The board did not adopt a change to stipend amounts during the session; any formal change would require following the board's bylaws and applicable Ed Code provisions and would be noted in future agendas.
