Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education agreed to take a cut in compensation for their meeting.
They decided to go from $30 down to $24.
‘I appreciate the fact this is a gesture making cut,? said Steve Hyer, board president.
‘On a personal level, as long as I have served on this board, I have never left a board meeting and felt like I didn’t earn every dollar. I feel like it is a slap in the face to board member who works hours and hours.?
Treasurer Rosalie Lieblang agreed their time on the board is valuable.
‘We did have some reductions as low as $300,? she added. ‘Every dollar counts and we can squeeze $1,000 out of our budget.?
The board took a 21 percent cut in their budget midway through the 2009-2010 fiscal year, from $208,549 down to $164,745. They cut it down another $245 for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.
The previous budget for meetings was $5,100. Now it’s $4,100. The board will receive $24 for each meeting they attend, up to 36 meetings a year.
‘I volunteered to do this,? said Trustee Joan Patterson. ‘I don’t put a price tag on my time. We are in tough times and this is one way we can show the community we can sacrifice as well.?
‘I agree with you in principle. We are sending the wrong message in terms of our commitment to the district,? said Hyer. ‘It’s a symbolic cut that doesn’t do anything more than devalue our services.?