California School Board Members Approve Pay Raise Amid Budget Cuts

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The South Bay Union School District in California is preparing to close schools and lay off over 50 teachers and staff due to budget deficits, but the school board unanimously approved increasing their own monthly pay from $275.63 to $1,200. Board member Jose Lopez Eguino said the higher pay could allow more parents to represent the community on the school board, noting that 'most of the families in our district are struggling to make ends meet' and 'there's no way a parent is going to be able to be here and represent the community.'

Why it matters

The pay raise for school board members comes at a time when many school districts in California are facing significant budget challenges and having to make difficult decisions like closing schools and laying off staff. Critics argue the pay hike will make it even harder for parents from working-class backgrounds to serve on school boards, further skewing board demographics away from reflecting the diversity of the student population.

The details

The South Bay Union School District plans to send layoff notices to more than 50 teachers and other staff this month due to declining enrollment. However, during a recent school board meeting, the board unanimously voted to increase their own monthly pay from $275.63 to $1,200. Board member Jose Lopez Eguino said the higher pay could allow more parents to represent the community on the school board, noting that most families in the district are struggling financially and it's difficult for parents to take time off work to serve.

• The South Bay Union School District is preparing to close schools and send layoff notices to over 50 staff members this month.
• The school board unanimously approved the pay increase for board members during a recent meeting.

What they’re saying