Geary USD 475 Board of Education members are split over the idea of paying a salary to board members. The idea first suggested by Board member Jason Butler called for a $6,000 salary with annual increases indexed to 50% of the average annual increases received by teachers.
This topic received lengthy discussion at the Board meeting Monday night at the Devin Center but no final decision was reached. Staff will develop a proposed policy for the Board to consider at a future meeting, explains Superintendent of Schools Dr. Reginald Eggleston. "We'll start looking and seeing what KASB has in place as well what some other districts may have, and then we'll just starting generating one based on the direction the Board has given." Eggleston added he would put some things on paper and then circulate it with the Board to ensure it captures their intent. The next step would be to bring it to the Board for discussion and a possible vote.
School district employee Dana Weigand asked if the compensation would make Board members a USD 475 employee. She noted that teachers annually contribute 40 hours of unpaid time for meetings. The cost estimate for paying board members would be $42,000 and Weigand wondered if that funding could be used to offset health insurance. She observed that the money could also be used to send youth club members to nationals events.
Board member Jason Butler feels people should be compensated for the time that they put in, and said that the city and county are doing it. He would not receive benefit from the funding since he did not seek reelection, and also noted that USD 475 could set the standard for the state on this issue.
Checking other Board member sentiment, Tom Brungardt feels elected officials should be compensated and they would not be considered employees. Kristy Haden felt the money could be used for health insurance. She suggested more discussion and review of the budget. Mark Hatcher felt if it were voluntary he would give the funds back and wanted more discussion. Anwar Khoury felt members had wanted to serve and indicated he would vote no. Khoury called for a policy on this matter.
This will be an action item for consideration at a future meeting.