Jordan board members flayed over 2 stipends
Original Jordan board members get a $1,000 monthly stipend. They can also get paid that amount for their work on either the newly formed east or west board, according to state law.
The JEA Legislative Council comprises representatives from 90 schools in the district. The majority voted in a recent meeting to express their "concern and dismay" that any Jordan board member would consider taking two stipends, according to a letter issued publicly Wednesday.
The letter further states JEA believes taking both stipends is "egregiously excessive."
Board members indicated their stipend choices last summer.
J. Dale Christensen (west), Peggy Jo Kennett (west) and Randy Brinkerhoff (west) said they were choosing both stipends.
"We are not taking double pay. We are taking a stipend for each board we serve on," Christensen said.
Tracy Cowdell (east) has since indicated he is taking both stipends but intends to donate some or all to charity.
Kim Horiuchi, who works as a weekend wire editor for the Deseret News, said she was undecided.
Scott Berryessa, a JEA and UEA board member, says teachers are outraged at the double opportunity. "I hope the school board members will seriously realize this doesn't put them in very good light," he said.
Lisa Holliday, who teaches ninth-grade at Fort Herriman Middle School, says she believes the school board members have forgotten what being a public servant means. "The money could go to much better things in education than their pocketbooks," she said.
In 2007, state legislation made it possible for school boards to set their own compensation. At that time Jordan board increased its compensation from $3,000 to $12,000 annually.
In November, east-side residents voted to leave Jordan district and form their own school district.
E-MAIL: astewart@desnews.com
Recent comments
Evensteven. You must be related to Curtis and Cullimore. This District…
ElkMan. | Oct. 6, 2008 at 9:39 p.m.
One could possibly make the argument that the east side board members…
evensteven | Oct. 5, 2008 at 9:18 a.m.
What kind of leadership would $50,000 buy? Why doesn't the School…
Hard to believe | Oct. 3, 2008 at 8:00 a.m.
