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Board debates timing and wording of stipend policy, opts for budget-based language
Summary
On first reading the board discussed a proposed policy to allow monthly stipends for board members (state statute caps at $500/month). After debate over timing and equity, the board reached consensus to tie any stipend to amounts included in the district budget and allow individual opt-out.
The Gresham-Barlow School District Board of Directors conducted a first reading April 23 of proposed policy language that would permit monthly stipends for board members. Mr. John Koch reviewed the policy and noted two bracketed options; board members were reminded that state statute limits the maximum stipend to $500 per month.
Board members expressed mixed views on whether now is the right time to implement stipends given the district’s budget forecast. Several directors said a stipend could help broaden candidate diversity by offsetting costs of service; others said $500 may be insufficient and questioned the timing while budgets are constrained. The board clarified that reimbursement cannot be used for childcare under current rules.
After extended discussion the board signaled consensus to use a budget-based approach for the bracketed language. Mr. Koch confirmed the staff-recommended wording that will return in a clean draft: “The amount of the stipend is limited to the amount included in the budget. Board members may choose not to accept the stipend or less than the maximum stipend by notifying the business office.” Staff said they will bring a clean copy back at a future work session for additional context on board budget lines and implementation details.
