Pasadena : Board Wants Expense Fund

Despite the prospect of having to slash $500,000 from the district’s schools next year, the Pasadena Unified Board of Education is considering the establishment of a $2,400 expense account for itself.

Last week, without a vote, the board gave a first reading to a proposal to provide $800 a year in expenses to the board president and $400 to each board member. The plan’s leading proponent, board member Elbie Hickambottom, was absent because of illness.

Hickambottom, who was board president last year, has argued that he has spent $1,500 of his own money on local events that board members are asked to attend.

While endorsing the idea, board member George Padilla said the allowance would be optional, and he pleaded for local organizations to provide complimentary tickets to their events if they want members to attend.

Anne Pursel said she expects to be the lone dissenting vote in two weeks, when the board is expected to give final approval to the plan. She said the timing was inappropriate because of the budget situation, and she would endorse such a proposal only for the board president.