Compensation
Each member of the Board of Trustees may receive a monthly compensation of $45. (Education Code 35120)
On an annual basis, the Board may increase the compensation of Board members beyond the limit delineated in Education Code 35120 in an amount not to exceed five percent based on the present monthly rate of compensation. (Education Code 35120)
Board members are not required to accept payment for meetings attended.
A member may be compensated for meetings he/she missed when the Board, by resolution, finds that he/she was performing designated services for the district at the time of the meeting or that he/she was absent because of illness, jury duty, or a hardship deemed acceptable by the Board. (Education Code 35120)
Reimbursement of Expenses
Board members shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred when performing authorized services for the district. Expenses for travel, telephone, business meals, or other authorized purposes shall be in accordance with policies established for district personnel and at the same rate of reimbursement.
(cf. 1160 - Political Processes)
(cf. 3100 - Budget)
(cf. 3350 - Travel Expenses)
(cf. 3513.1 - Cellular Phone Reimbursement)
Board members shall be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred when performing services directed by the Board. (Education Code 35044)
(cf. 9240 - Board Development)
Authorized purposes may include, but are not limited to, attendance at educational seminars or conferences designed to improve Board members' skills and knowledge; participation in regional, state, or national organizations whose activities affect the district's interests; attendance at district or community events; and meetings with state or federal officials on issues of community concern.
Personal expenses shall be the responsibility of individual Board members. Personal expenses include, but are not limited to, the personal portion of any trip, tips or gratuities, alcohol, entertainment, laundry, expenses of any family member who is accompanying the Board member on district-related business, personal use of an automobile, and personal losses and traffic violation fees incurred while on district business.
Any questions regarding the propriety of a particular type of expense should be resolved by the Superintendent or designee before the expense is incurred.
Health and Welfare Benefits for Current Board Members
Board members may participate in the health and welfare benefits program provided for district employees at their own expense.
(cf. 4154/4254/4354 - Health and Welfare Benefits)
Board members who elect to participate shall pay the full cost of premiums.
Health and welfare benefits provided to Board members shall be extended at the same level to their spouse/registered domestic partner and to their eligible dependent children as specified in law and the health plan at their own expense.
Health and Welfare Benefits for Former Board Members
Former Board members may participate in the health and welfare benefits program provided for district employees under the conditions specified below.
Any former Board member leaving the Board after at least one term of office may participate in the health and welfare benefits program at his/her own expense if coverage is in effect at the time of retirement. (Government Code 53201)
Health and welfare benefits provided to a former Board member shall be extended, at his/her expense and at the same level, to his/her spouse/registered domestic partner and eligible dependent children as specified in law and the health plan.
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
33050-33053 General waiver authority
33362-33363 Reimbursement of expenses for attendance at workshops
35012 Board members; number, election and term
35044 Payment of traveling expenses of representatives of board
35120 Compensation for services as member of governing board
35172 Promotional activities
44038 Cash deposits for transportation purchased on credit
FAMILY CODE
297-297.5 Rights, protections and benefits under law; registered domestic partners
GOVERNMENT CODE
8314 Use of public resources
20322 Elective officers; election to become member
20420-20445 Membership in Public Employees' Retirement System; definition of safety employees
54952.3 Simultaneous or serial meetings; announcement of compensation
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
1373 Health services plan, coverage for dependent children
INSURANCE CODE
10277-10278 Group and individual health insurance, coverage for dependent children
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 26
403 Tax-sheltered annuities
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 42
18011 Right to maintain existing health coverage
CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, TITLE 26
1.403(b)-2 Tax-sheltered annuities, definition of employee
COURT DECISIONS
Thorning v. Hollister School District, (1992) 11 Cal.App.4th 1598
Board of Education of the Palo Alto Unified School District v. Superior Court of Santa Clara County, (1979) 93 Cal.App.3d 578
ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINIONS
91 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 37 (2008)
83 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 124 (2000)
Management Resources:
INSTITUTE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS
Sample Expense and Use of Public Resources Policy Statement, January 2006
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS
Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans (403(b) Plans) for Employees of Public Schools and Certain Tax-Exempt Organizations, Publication 571, rev. February 2013
WEB SITES
CSBA: http://www.csba.org
Institute for Local Government: http://www.ca-ilg.org
Internal Revenue Service: http://www.irs.gov
Public Employees' Retirement System: http://www.calpers.ca.gov
Bylaw RED BLUFF UNION ELEMENTARY DISTRICT
adopted: June 11, 2014 Red Bluff, California