School board candidate Allen Dyer wants higher salaries for board members, and he wants the school board to approach the Howard delegation with the proposal.
“The $12,000 reflects poorly on the role the Board of Education plays,” Dyer said.
“It?s more than a half-time job, and $12,000 is not a half-time salary ? at least not in Howard County.”
Board members earn $12,000 a year, with the exception of the board chairperson, who earns $14,000, school system spokeswoman Patti Caplan said.
Candidate Diane Butler agreed with Dyer?s effort for better compensation, but board Vice Chairwoman Ellen Flynn Giles, who?s running for re-election, was more cautious.
“In light of the current budget situation, I don?t feel that I can support such a request to the legislature to draw on local funds that can be better spent in the classroom,” Giles said.
Board salaries increased from $6,000 to $12,000 between 1996 and 2000, she said.
In Anne Arundel, all board members receive a $3,600 annual stipend, and the board president also earns an $8,000 salary. After recent legislation was enacted, only new board members will receive a $6,000 salary, said Molly Connolly, school board executive assistant.
The Howard school board can file a late request for the salary increase with the delegation, said Del. Elizabeth Bobo, D-District 12B.
