Money isn't the reason people run for CVUSD school board

A resident might run for the school board for various reasons.

But financial gain, according to Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) Superintendent Robert Fraisse, isn't one of them. "No one could (be a school board member) in lieu of a career," Fraisse said. "They just couldn't live on what they earn."

CVUSD board members are given a monthly stipend to offset their public service expenses, which may include traveling to different schools, supporting fundraisers, paying for newsletter subscriptions, attending educational seminars, etc.

The amount of the stipend is regulated by the California Education Code, and it's based on the number of students the district serves. In CVUSD, which has an enrollment of roughly 22,000, board members receive $486 per month, about 20 percent more than the $400 a month the code requires for districts with enrollments of 10,000 to 25,000.

According to the code, school boards can exceed the required stipend but can never increase by more than 5 percent each year.

Conejo Valley trustees just voted for themselves a $23-permonth increase in February.

In addition to the salary, board members receive reimbursement for travel expenses related to their work, a figure that's designated by the IRS for government employees. Trustees can choose to receive a specified lump sum each month-which averages between $90 and $100-or be paid by the mile, which currently breaks down to about 38 cents per mile.

The IRS sets a designated permile amount every six months, which can increase or decrease depending on various factors, such as spikes in gasoline prices.

Either way, Fraisse said, the vehicle allowance is justified when you consider how many miles the trustees are compelled to drive each month.

"Historically, our board members will hit 10 to 15 schools a week, plus night meetings," Fraisse said. "It's not unusual to see a board member travel several thousands of miles a year on behalf of the district."

The third and final component of a board member's pay package is an option to enroll in the same medical and dental plans that are offered to all district employees.

Although it's a choice, Fraisse said, the majority of trustees and other workers do enroll the plan.

"I would say eight out of 10 take the medical (coverage)," Fraisse said. "And that's true about everywhere.

"These school board members put in an amazing amount of time, sometimes 20 to 30 hours a week," he said. "These remunerations are very minimal compared to the time they're putting in."

Fraisse said it's important that people understand the difference between school board trustees and other elected officials, who earn generous annual salaries for holding office.

"It's a citizen's role, as opposed to a career politician," Fraisse said.

"The expectation is that (board members) can fulfill their role and still be involved in a full and rich life as well," he said.

"It's worked very well for public schools to have this relationship."