Rocky View Schools Board of trustees voted in a split decision to increase compensation for trustees at the regular meeting on Aug. 29.
The four to three vote was preceded by a lengthy debate from trustees.
“I really feel strongly given our current economic situation and the fact we’re asking our teachers to take zero per cent (wage increase) and our executive is taking zero per cent and our support staff will be taking zero as well…. I think it would be unwise to look at any kind of increase, even though it’s so small, at this time,” Trustee Sylvia Eggerer said as she made the motion to reject the compensation increase.
As per the policy, which was approved in 1998 and last amended in November 2011, trustee compensation is to be adjusted by a ratio equal to the Calgary Consumer Price Index, which outlines the cost of living in Calgary.
The compensation for trustees will increase 2.21 per cent from an annual honoraria of $13,065 in 2012, to $13,354 in 2013.
Trustee Colleen Munro opposed Eggerer’s motion and noted, “In the last six years, while teachers and staff have been getting increase, trustee wages have actually declined.”
Trustee Norma Lang, who was the only trustee not acclaimed in the last election, said she worried rejecting the compensation increase would discourage new candidates from entering the election.
She said she would not support the motion from Eggerer because she wanted to show possible candidates there is a value to the role the board fills.
“It’s important to make these jobs look attractive in our community,” Lang said.
Trustee Helen Clease countered, “In my heart they will run because they care. I don’t think the money will determine if a trustee is acclaimed or not.”
The increase was passed with Eggerer, Clease and Don Thomas voting to reject the increase and Trustees Munro, Lang, Bev LePeare and Bruce Pettigrew voting for the increase.
