Compensation for Board of Education Members: An Overview

School boards, also known as boards of education, boards of directors, or boards of trustees, are the governing bodies of school districts. They are responsible for establishing policies and regulations that guide the operation of local schools. These boards play a crucial role in shaping education policies, approving budgets, hiring superintendents, engaging with the community, and ensuring equity across school programs. The question of whether these dedicated individuals should receive compensation for their service is a topic of ongoing debate.

The Landscape of School Board Compensation

Across the United States, the approach to compensating school board members varies significantly. According to the National School Boards Association (NSBA), the majority of school board members are volunteers who receive no annual compensation. However, this is not universally true, and the trend is evolving.

In some states, school board members receive a small stipend, while others receive no compensation at all. However, they undertake a significant amount of responsibility. A 2018 NSBA survey revealed that approximately 63% of school board members ran to improve local education and give back to their communities. Their commitment often involves long hours, attending meetings, and community events, on top of their full-time jobs and family obligations.

State-by-State Variations in Compensation

The decision to compensate school board members is determined at the state level, and the laws vary widely.

States with Bans: At least 13 states explicitly ban the practice of compensating school board members.
States with Compensation: Some states have codified school board compensation in state law, allowing members of local boards to receive pay for their work.
Varying Compensation Models: Many states that allow board members to be paid have an explicit cap on pay. This can be a set amount per meeting, defined daily pay, or a maximum annual salary.
Pay Caps: In Oklahoma, the cap is $25 per board meeting for up to four meetings per month, and only for districts with an average daily attendance of at least 15,000. In Michigan, the cap is $30 per meeting for up to 52 meetings per year, which translates to a maximum of $1,560 annually. In Tennessee, school board members must be paid at least $4 per day of work.
California Exception: California stands out with the highest-paid school board members. In Los Angeles, board of education members receive an annual salary of $125,000 if they do not have other employment, and $50,000 if they hold another job.

Salaries in Florida

In Florida, state law determines the annual salary for school board members based on the population of the county they serve. F.S. 1001.395 outlines the compensation structure for district school board members.

Florida's Compensation Structure (F.S. 1001.395)

Each member of the district school board receives a base salary, based on the population of the county the district school board member serves. Compensation is also provided for population increments over the minimum for each population group. The adjusted base salaries of district school board members are increased annually as provided for in s. 145.19.

The following table illustrates the base salary and group rate based on county population:

Pop. Group	County Pop. Range	Base Salary	Group Rate
I	0-9,999	$5,000	$0.0833
II	10,000-49,999	$5,833	$0.02083
III	50,000-99,999	$6,666	$0.01668
IV	100,000-199,999	$7,500	$0.00833
V	200,000-399,999	$8,333	$0.004165
VI	400,000-999,999	$9,166	$0.00139
VII	1,000,000+	$10,000	$0.00000

Additional Provisions in Florida Law

District school board members may reduce their salary rate on a voluntary basis.
The salary of each district school board member shall be the amount calculated pursuant to subsection (1) or the district’s beginning salary for teachers who hold baccalaureate degrees, whichever is less.

In 2016, the annual salary for school board members in Florida was set at $42,570.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment in Florida

In Florida, there have been proposals to eliminate salaries for county school board members. A proposed constitutional amendment aimed at this was approved by a House panel. Sponsor Sam Garrison, R-Fleming Island, argued that nixing pay for school boards would “take the politics out of our school boards.”

However, opponents, like Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, warned that this could threaten diversity on the boards, potentially leading to an elitist system that drives out individuals with the most at stake in the educational system. In Florida, school board members are paid an average of $35,995 annually and receive roughly $10,800 in benefits, according to a House staff analysis. Legislators are paid about $30,000 a year.

Arguments for and Against Compensation

The debate over school board member compensation centers on several key arguments:

Arguments for Compensation:

Attracting Diverse Candidates: Advocates argue that compensation is essential to attract a diverse pool of candidates, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who may not be able to afford to volunteer their time.
Recognizing Time Commitment: Many board members dedicate a significant amount of time to their duties, often equivalent to a full-time job. Compensation acknowledges this commitment and the value of their expertise.
Improving Board Effectiveness: Paying board members could lead to increased professionalism and accountability, ultimately improving their ability to manage districts effectively.

Arguments Against Compensation:

Removing Politics: Eliminating salaries could potentially reduce political motivations for seeking board positions, encouraging individuals with a genuine interest in education to serve.
Maintaining Volunteer Ethos: Some believe that school board service should remain a voluntary endeavor, driven by a desire to contribute to the community rather than financial gain.
Cost Concerns: Opponents may raise concerns about the financial burden of compensating board members, particularly in smaller districts with limited resources.

The Role of School Boards

School boards play a vital role in the education system. They set policies, approve budgets, hire superintendents, engage with the community, and ensure equity across school programs. These responsibilities require a significant time commitment and a deep understanding of educational issues.

Duties of School Board Members

Setting Policy: Determining how schools operate, what’s taught, and how success is measured.
Approving Budgets: Managing budgets that can range from a few million to hundreds of millions.
Hiring and Evaluating the Superintendent: Overseeing the district’s CEO.
Engaging the Community: Involving the community in decisions that affect students, families, and teachers.
Ensuring Equity: Promoting equity across school programs, facilities, and outcomes.

The Impact of Compensation on Board Diversity

The drive to pay school board members has often been motivated by the desire to attract members who are more representative of the communities they serve, both racially and socioeconomically. However, there is a lack of research to definitively prove that compensation is effective in achieving this goal.

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