Judge Rebuffs School Board on Benefits

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has ruled that a state law that allowed the Bellflower school district to cut off health and welfare benefits to a former school board member is unconstitutional.

Judge David Yaffe’s ruling last week stemmed from a suit brought by Jay Gendreau, who had served on the Bellflower school board for 17 years.

Gendreau was a member when the board voted in 1993 to approve a health and welfare benefit package to board members once they left their posts. Under the policy, members who had been on the board at least 12 years would be eligible for the benefits until they reached 65.

In 1994, a new board eliminated the policy for future members, despite Gendreau’s opposition. In December 1995, Gendreau declined to run for reelection and began collecting health benefits under the previous policy.

Last year, the board voted to stop benefits to all former members, citing a state law that allowed districts to cut off benefits to former members who began drawing benefits after January 1994. Gendreau, 40, sued the district to reinstate his benefits.

On Sept. 10, Yaffe ruled that the law violated the Constitution, which protects compensation packages for public officials while they remain in office. The school district’s attorney, Eric Bathen, said it will appeal the ruling.