By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
When the Geary USD 475 Board of Education meets Monday evening one item of discussion will center around a proposal to pay a salary to members of the board for their service.
Board member Dr. Jason Butler recommends adoption of a $6,000 annual salary for school board members, with future increases indexed to 50% of the average annual raise received by teachers.
Butler noted that state law now explicitly permits school boards to compensate their members. It states: "Members of a board of education of a school district may receive compensation from the school district for the work and duties performed by such board members."
Butler, who is not seeking reelection to the Board, first suggested the idea of salary one month ago. He has noted in making the case for a salary for Board members that other elected officials do receive compensation.
Given the depth of responsibility involved, a modest salary is appropriate—and consistent with how we compensate other local public officials. For instance, Junction City commissioners earn $700 per month, or $8,400 annually, as established in Article VI, Section 105.410 of the city code. County commissioners, who also hold significant oversight roles, earn over $40,000 annually, in addition to receiving benefits, wrote Butler.
He also noted that when compared to these civic roles, a $6,000 salary for school board members is not only reasonable—it reflects a fiscally conservative valuation of time, service, and civic duty."
The Board meets at 6 p.m. Monday at the Devin Center.