Bill > H436

This bill updates Section 52 of Chapter 71 of the General Laws concerning the compensation of school committee members, who are individuals serving on the governing boards of public schools. Currently, these members serve without pay, but this bill allows for compensation to be provided if approved by a majority vote of the relevant governing body. Specifically, in cities with a Plan D or Plan E charter, the city council can vote to compensate members; in other cities, the city council can vote, subject to the city's charter; in towns, a town meeting can vote; and in regional school districts or superintendency unions, a majority of the voting member towns, approved at their respective town meetings, can vote for compensation. For Commonwealth Virtual Schools, the authorizing entity must approve the compensation amount. The bill also clarifies that the amount of compensation will be set by these respective entities. Finally, it reiterates an existing provision that prohibits school committee members from also holding positions as teachers or superintendents within their town or any participating union or district.