MOORPARK : School Board Delays Decision on Stipends

The Moorpark school board touched on the controversial topic of compensation for board members Tuesday but decided to make a final decision on the $200-a-month stipend at its next meeting in two weeks to allow time for more public input.

Even though there was no public comment about the possible stipend, which could begin after June 30, 1991, the discussion was sharply divided among board members.

Board President Cynthia Hubbard and members Tom Baldwin and Sam K. Nainoa leaned toward compensation, while Patty Waters and Pamela Castro opposed it.

Those in favor of compensation said they have taken time off from work, including vacation time, to attend various meetings.

“We are the largest school district in the area that doesn’t get compensation,” Baldwin said. “This is not a budget buster. We’re talking about one-fourteenth of 1% of the budget. That’s a mighty small figure.”

Baldwin pointed out that those board members who did not want the compensation could refuse it, just as he does not use the medical insurance offered to board members. If all members took compensation, the cost to the district would be $12,000 a year.

Castro said her vote was dependent on news about the 1991-92 budget.

Cynthia Coler, the teacher representative to the board, said she has received comments from teachers in the district about board compensation.

“Where are you going to get money for compensation?” Coler asked. “It will be difficult to explain to parents that you are going to pay yourselves out of a budget that is being cut.”

Hubbard persisted, saying that, when she ran for office, she did not realize board members in other districts are compensated.

“The public already thinks board members are paid,” Hubbard said. “People tell me, ‘Is that all you’ll get?’ ”