Board updates compensation policy to match new state cap; public speakers urged caution amid budget shortfall

At the Feb. 11 meeting, the Anaheim Elementary School District Board of Education voted to adopt updated bylaw language aligning trustee compensation with recent state legislation referenced at the meeting as Assembly Bill 13 90 (discussed as AB 1390). The revised bylaw reflects the statutory maximum of $2,000 per month for a district of Anaheim Elementary's size; the board recorded the final vote as 5–0 in favor.

The item drew the most public comment of the evening. Public speakers raised concerns that increasing trustee compensation—described in public comment as a possible “quadrupling” of pay—was inappropriate while the district faces fiscal pressure. Commenters and one audience speaker, Mark Lopez, noted the superintendent’s earlier presentation that current state budget projections may reduce AESD revenue (a reported $1.2 million shortfall tied to a lower COLA) and asked whether raises were prudent given potential program reductions.

Superintendent Jesus Chavarria and staff explained the board action was to align district policy to state law, not to create automatic pay increases. Chavarria emphasized that the law establishes a new maximum but that compensation requires affirmative board action at a public meeting and that trustees may decline payment; there is no retroactive pay. Staff also acknowledged some agenda attachments had been temporarily inaccessible and committed to correcting access issues.

Board members asked for clearer agenda links and for transparent explanations when materials are amended; one trustee urged staff to ensure public access via CSBA and the district archive. The board adopted the revised bylaw language and the clerk recorded the motion and second; President Jackie Philbeck announced a 5–0 vote in favor.