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Board debates stipends for licensed trades staff amid calls to embed pay into salary
Summary
Administration proposed annual stipends for licensed facilities and transportation staff totaling about $24,750 for currently eligible employees; trustees supported retention goals but raised concerns about equity, permanence, budget timing and whether higher pay should be incorporated into salaried steps instead of temporary stipends.
Administrators proposed a targeted stipend program to reward and retain licensed trades and operations staff, estimating a first-year cost of $24,750 for employees who currently qualify.
"By offering stipends, we recognize the value, keep our expertise in-house, and avoid the high cost of contracting this work out," Assistant Director of Human Resources Dr. Tom Brewster said, laying out proposed annual amounts (master tradesmen $3,000; journeyman $2,000; contractor license class C $1,500; pesticide applicator $750; inspection sticker $750).
Board members praised the retention intent but many said stipends feel temporary and urged examining pay-scale changes that would fold credentials into base salary. Several trustees said that embedding pay into the salary schedule strengthens long-term retention and ensures certification-based compensation is counted in raises and retirement calculations.
Trustees also asked how widely the stipend option would extend beyond the handful of currently eligible employees and whether other licensed positions (for example, department-specific inspectors or vocational trades) should be eligible. Transportation staff noted some mechanics and drivers hold required certifications that could be covered.
Administration said the stipend proposal was a near-term tool given budget timing and that further work would evaluate embedding credential pay into future salary scales. The board asked HR and finance to return with comparative options that show long-term costs and equity implications across staff categories.
No final vote was taken; the board requested additional scenarios and potential budget impacts before adopting a permanent approach.
