A bill that would eliminate salaries for school board members and increase scrutiny of the way public-school instructional materials and library books are chosen is now primed for consideration by the full House. The measure (HB 1467) is largely centered on increasing parents’ involvement in the selection of books and other learning materials.
The bill would committees convened for the purpose of “ranking, eliminating, or selecting” instructional materials to include parents. The House Appropriations Committee on Monday signed off on the proposal after adding some tweaks. An amendment adopted by the committee made clear that the part of the bill dealing with scrapping board members’ salaries would apply to members who are newly elected or re-elected on or after Aug. 1, 2022.
Currently, Flagler County School Board members make $35,949 a year. The salary goes up slightly every year. In comparison, county commissioners make $60,000 a year.
“The intent is to make sure that when members decide to run for the position, they know up front what the situation is with salaries,” Rep. Sam Garrison, a Fleming Island Republican who sponsored the bill, said. The amendment also would allow board members who wouldn’t receive salaries to receive “reimbursements” of up to $200 for each meeting they attend, up to a maximum of $4,800 per year.
Democrats on the panel bristled at capping board members’ yearly compensation at less than $5,000. “We can’t throw money at problems, but we obviously can pay someone a living wage. And I don’t believe that what we’re offering to pay someone in the amendment is a living wage for the amount of meetings (they) have,” Rep. Matt Willhite, D-Wellington, said. But Garrison disagreed. “I would take issue with the notion of talking about this salary, such as it is, as being a living wage. It’s not designed to be. It’s about public service,” he said.
The Florida School Boards Association opposes the bill. Danielle Thomas, a lobbyist with the association, said the proposal would create “great inequalities” for school board members across the state and would favor “the elite” who could afford to work for no salary. “School board members in Florida have chosen to take on the responsibility of overseeing the education, safety and well-being of our most precious gift — our children,” Thomas said. A similar Senate bill (SB 1300) needs approval from the Rules Committee before it can go to the floor. The Senate measure aims to make school board members’ salaries equal to the yearly pay of state legislators. Lawmakers make $29,697 per year.
Jimbo99 says
Public education on the cheap as usual. The new slavery. Is this the best the “leaders” of Government have as a solution ? The whole concept in it’s entirety is a disincentive to even care about educating children. They’re good at building unaffordable housing & schools, & now they steer the narrative & expect college educated & qualified teachers to pick up the tab on a village concept of education. Just gets better in the USA doesn’t it ?
Rick G says
Great way to attract only block heads and extremely rich people who would like to subvert the very idea of public education. This is Authoritarian 101
Flatsflyer says
If the State wants to ban books they should start with the Bible, one of the most divisive books ever written . It offends me and makes me feel bad, if DeSantis wants feeling to be a part of his legislative agenda, he needs to ban the Comic Book that is often referred to as the Bible.
Happening now says
Used to be a honor.
Robjr says
Don’t stop there.
No salaries for County Commissioners
State Representatives
State Senators,
and don’t forget Governor
Kerri says
What happened to an elected school board of all volunteers from the community that is invested in the communities children and the children’s educational advancement?
Other states besides Florida have volunteer without Financial compensation school boards.
School board members should be receiving a bigger salary than of the teachers.
Bartholomew says
That’s not Florida. As long as I remember it has been a paid position and I understand why. That do so much more than go to a meeting once a month.
Bartholomew says
Colleen Conklin could you comment and educate us on all you do. People really don’t know. I am sure with what you do you have seen it all (I know, there’s something you thought you would never see still out there) and it would be nice to see it.
palmcoaster says
Is a lot of work to just to afford the wealthy to be school board members and denied equal representaion for us all. Then also do away with salaries from Governor and down all! More undermining our school system by the one at the helm and censoring the school libraries as well? The new Florida State …of the Russian or China reckpubliks federation?