School board considers supplemental chief-negotiator stipend; final vote deferred

The school board discussed a proposal to authorize a supplemental stipend for the district’s chief negotiator but deferred final approval until members can review clearer language.

The Chair explained the district has paid negotiating-team members $2,000 for participation in each of two represented groups and proposed a supplemental $1,000 stipend for the chief negotiator that the board’s draft language described as a $5,000 payment “after the ratification of each negotiated contract in which the director participates.” A committee member noted the paperwork was unclear and several members said the item would be considered on the board’s Thursday agenda rather than voted on that night.

Board members examined how team payments are structured: individuals who serve on both negotiating lists would receive the two $2,000 payments (totaling $4,000), and the proposed supplemental stipend for the chief negotiator was described as an additional amount intended to acknowledge time and preparation. One member summarized the staff presentation: “The only direct cost is the $5,000 stipend,” and others pressed for consistent language tying the payment to ratified contracts.

Speakers stressed the proposal does not increase attorney fees this cycle and that the stipend is intended to recognize time saved and costs avoided during negotiations. The item was not approved at the meeting; the Chair said she would present a clarified proposal on Thursday and members were asked to review the attachments and send questions in advance.

The discussion centered on transparency of the proposed payment language, the timing of payments (tied to ratification), and whether staff paperwork correctly reflected the board’s intent. The board did not record a formal roll-call vote on the stipend during the meeting.