During its July meeting Decatur’s school board discussed a raise though no action was taken and further steps are currently uncertain.
“What I don’t understand is why the City Commission gets to vote on their own raise [by approving a new ordinance],” said Board Chair Annie Caiola. “For us to get a raise, our understanding is that it would mean amending the city charter.”
In truth, the charter isn’t clear on how the board gets a raise, and City Manager Peggy Merriss didn’t want to comment on the question. Longtime school board attorney Bob Wilson also isn’t sure and said his office is still looking into matter.
The board is paid $50 a meeting, counting work sessions and special called meetings. They don’t get paid for executive sessions, which can sometimes last for hours. Caiola said her board salary is usually around $1,000 annually.
The commission will likely approve its first raise in 23 years on Aug. 7, with commissioners pay jumping from $4,800 to $12,000 annually while the mayor improves from $6,000 to $15,000.
“Personally, I believe this job is public service,” Caiola said. “However I think it’s a fair question to ask why our stipend is significantly less than theirs.”
