Beaverton board reviews new state paths for stipends, considers policy update

District staff briefed the Beaverton SD 48J board at the Jan. 27 retreat on recent state legislative changes that create paths for school‑board stipends and on practical options the board could use to implement them.

Carrie (district staff) explained the statute change allowing stipends (up to $500 per month, adjusted for inflation) and the Oregon Government Ethics Commission’s prior concern about conflict of interest under earlier law. She outlined three implementation paths: include stipends in the annual budget (with board members declaring a conflict of interest and voting on the budget as a whole), adopt a sequence of resolutions so each member abstains from the vote that directly benefits them (a path used by Portland), or approve future‑dated stipends so the decision is not a direct personal benefit to current members.

"There are 197 school districts in Oregon. We are currently aware of 1 that has implemented this," Carrie said, noting no dedicated state funding and that any stipend would come from the district general fund. Staff recommended updating policy language (BDH/related policy) to reflect current law whether or not the board decides to proceed.

Board members expressed general interest in exploring the option as a way to lower barriers to service and broaden access for candidates who cannot shoulder unpaid time commitments. Several members favored a cautious approach — beginning with a policy update and considering a future‑dated or budgeted implementation to avoid mid‑year optics concerns and to allow community discussion.

No formal action was taken; staff will draft updated policy language and return options for board consideration with budget and timing implications.