Board pauses on proposed changes to bylaw on remuneration and benefits after legal questions
May 01, 2024 | Redondo Beach Unified, School Districts, California
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The Redondo Beach Unified School District Board of Education on April 30 opened a detailed discussion about proposed revisions to board bylaw 92.50, which governs remuneration, reimbursement and benefits for board members. Board members raised legal and procedural questions and asked staff and district counsel for more time to review the language.
Board discussion focused on language that reiterates the Redondo Beach City Charter’s long-standing provision that members "shall serve without compensation." A board member who pulled the item for discussion said the charter language dates to 1949 and had not been changed, and proposed striking or tightening portions of the draft that would allow participation in health-and-welfare benefits considered compensation under California law.
Superintendent Doctor Wesley and other trustees said the policy overhaul is part of a comprehensive, districtwide update that aligns local bylaws with current California School Boards Association (CSBA) recommendations. Several trustees said they were comfortable moving the bulk of the revised policies forward to second reading but wanted bylaw 92.50 isolated so the board could receive a counsel opinion and consider options before any final vote.
Trustees debated whether the policy’s title should remain "Remuneration, reimbursement and other benefits" to aid public lookup, while removing specific implementation language that could conflict with the city charter. One trustee noted the practical effect of any change could be to restrict reimbursements that would otherwise be authorized by Education Code and board practice.
Board counsel and staff agreed to provide legal guidance and to present the item again at the second reading or as a separate action item with recommended revisions. No final action on 92.50 was taken at the meeting.
The board will revisit the bylaw after counsel’s review and after trustees have had time to compare the proposed language to state statutes and the city charter.
Board discussion focused on language that reiterates the Redondo Beach City Charter’s long-standing provision that members "shall serve without compensation." A board member who pulled the item for discussion said the charter language dates to 1949 and had not been changed, and proposed striking or tightening portions of the draft that would allow participation in health-and-welfare benefits considered compensation under California law.
Superintendent Doctor Wesley and other trustees said the policy overhaul is part of a comprehensive, districtwide update that aligns local bylaws with current California School Boards Association (CSBA) recommendations. Several trustees said they were comfortable moving the bulk of the revised policies forward to second reading but wanted bylaw 92.50 isolated so the board could receive a counsel opinion and consider options before any final vote.
Trustees debated whether the policy’s title should remain "Remuneration, reimbursement and other benefits" to aid public lookup, while removing specific implementation language that could conflict with the city charter. One trustee noted the practical effect of any change could be to restrict reimbursements that would otherwise be authorized by Education Code and board practice.
Board counsel and staff agreed to provide legal guidance and to present the item again at the second reading or as a separate action item with recommended revisions. No final action on 92.50 was taken at the meeting.
The board will revisit the bylaw after counsel’s review and after trustees have had time to compare the proposed language to state statutes and the city charter.
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