School Board Members Stipend Report Released
A report on school board members' stipends was released today, July 8, by the Department of Education.
Under the Education Act, a review of remuneration for school board members must take place every four years. The report sets the rates for stipends, travel and meal allowances, and professional development funding for the next four years.
Lloyd Gillis, a retired education administrator, and Stewart McInnes, a Halifax lawyer, were appointed by the minister of Education and the Nova Scotia School Boards Association in February to prepare the stipend report for the period of 2004 to 2008.
They reviewed existing reports on remuneration for school board members and a submission from the Nova Scotia School Boards Association. They also invited comments from school board chairs and consulted with the association and the department.
Their report noted that the last increase in remuneration for school board members was in 1997. It also stated that the duties of board members have evolved since amalgamation in 1996 and citizens who take on these duties are deserving of an increased remuneration.
The stipend for school board chairs will increase from $12,000 to $13,500. Board members and vice chairs will receive increases of $1,000, bringing their stipends to $8,200 and $10,000 respectively.
Travel expenses will be reimbursed according to the provincial vehicle allowance rate of 34 cents per kilometre. The maximum daily meal allowance will be $40, up from $30.
Members of the Annapolis Valley, Chignecto-Central, Halifax, and South Shore regional school boards will continue to receive $1,600 for workshops, meetings and conferences that help them carry out their duties.
Travel costs for these development opportunities are higher for other boards. The allotment for members of the Acadian, Tri- County and Strait boards will increase by $300 to $1,900. It will increase by $600 to $2,200 for members of the Cape Breton- Victoria board.
Each school board will continue to receive $10,000 per year for additional board member development.
According to the Education Act, changes in remuneration take place when new school board members take office after the next election. Municipal and school board elections are scheduled for Oct. 16.
Individuals interested in becoming candidates for school board elections must be nominated by Sept. 14. More information is available on the Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations website at www.servicens.ca/candidates or from the Nova Scotia School Boards Association at 902-491-2888.