Solano County Board sets superintendent pay 3% above assistant/associate deputy schedule with 2% annual steps

The Solano County Board of Education voted to set the county superintendent's salary at 3% above the assistant/associate deputy salary schedule step 5, with the salary to increase by 2% at each subsequent step.

Trustee Cohen Thompson moved the proposal and Trustee Sharp seconded. The board discussed whether the increase should be retroactive to the superintendent's start date and how the schedule compares with neighboring counties. Trustee Cohen Thompson summarized the proposal as setting the initial salary 3% above the cited step-5 figure and applying 2% step increases each year thereafter. The board then held a roll-call vote; trustees present voted in favor and the motion passed.

Board members asked several procedural and comparative questions during debate, including whether other county offices include step-plus-COLA structures and whether the superintendent historically received COLA adjustments. Trustee Cohen Thompson noted the motion was intended to ensure the superintendent's pay remains higher than deputy positions. Chair (presiding) said, "Oh, now you can get paid. Congratulations." The board recorded the vote as a unanimous approval among those voting.

The board also clarified the effective date: the increase would be effective tied to the superintendent's start of service (the superintendent's service date in September was referenced during the discussion). The board did not enumerate additional implementation steps at the meeting beyond confirming the motion and roll-call tally.

Details of the motion and vote are recorded in the meeting minutes and actions list.