[ad_1]
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Beginning this month, Portland Public Schools board members will receive a monthly stipend for their work.
The school board voted during its Oct. 14 meeting to authorize a monthly stipend of $527 a month for current and future directors, making it the first school board in Oregon to do so.
“As a single parent, I found it challenging at first to even consider doing this, and I’m happy that there is a small stipend because it may allow for people that have to provide a pizza to their children or a babysitter,” Vice Chair Michelle DePass said during the meeting.
“Our board has not traditionally had people that couldn’t afford to serve, and I think it’s a big step in the right direction,” she said.
Historically, schoolboard members have not received compensation. That changed in 2023 after Oregon legislators passed HB 2753, which allowed for a monthly stipend of up to $500 a month. The figure has since been adjusted for inflation.
The law was intended to increase the diversity of school board members, said Chair Eddie Wang.
Board members are not required to accept the full amount, and are able to take part of the stipend or none of it.
Each of the resolutions, one for each district, passed unanimously.
[ad_2]
Amanda Rhoades
Source link