Full Breakdown
Controversy Erupts Over School Trustee Pay Raises in San Diego County
3/7/2026, 8:17:10 AM
Legislative Background and Core Event
A new California law, Assembly Bill 1390, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and authored by Assemblymember José Luis Solache, Jr., has enabled public school trustees to significantly increase their stipends. This legislation, intended to enhance compensation after years of stagnant pay, has led to trustee pay raises of 300-400% across several school districts in San Diego County, including Carlsbad, Cajon Valley, Escondido, and Oceanside. As districts grapple with budget deficits, layoffs, and potential school closures, the decision to increase trustee compensation has sparked widespread criticism and concern.
Financial Implications and Local Reactions
In Cajon Valley, for example, trustees raised their monthly stipends from $600 to $2,000, a move that has drawn ire from local employees facing job cuts. Mark Reagles, president of the Cajon Valley classified employees union, highlighted the contradiction of increasing trustee pay while cutting staff, stating, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” He noted that the $120,000 annual cost of the pay increase could have covered the salaries of three laid-off employees.
Brandi Krepps, president of the Escondido Elementary Educators Association, echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration over the prioritization of trustee raises amid budgetary constraints that have led to slashed site budgets. “It’s just, it’s really infuriating,” she remarked regarding the disparity between trustee compensation and the financial realities facing schools.
Divergent Perspectives on Trustee Compensation
The issue of trustee pay raises has become a contentious topic, particularly influenced by the dynamics of labor negotiations and the relationships between teacher unions and school boards. Scott Davison, an attorney and parent in Carlsbad, noted that the response to pay increases can vary significantly depending on whether the teacher union has a favorable relationship with the board. In Carlsbad, where a union majority exists among trustees, the pay raises have not faced significant opposition, contrasting sharply with the backlash seen in other districts.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics argue that the timing of these raises is particularly inappropriate, given the ongoing layoffs affecting thousands of school district employees across California. Reagles warned that as budget constraints tighten, more districts may follow suit in increasing trustee pay, exacerbating tensions between school boards and staff. The San Diego County Office of Education, along with the San Diego Education Association and the California Teachers Association, declined to comment on the situation, leaving the debate largely to local stakeholders.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should,” — Mark Reagles, President, Cajon Valley Classified Employees Union
- “It’s just, it’s really infuriating.” — Brandi Krepps, President, Escondido Elementary Educators Association
- “We’ve seen the alignment of opposition come down whether the teacher union has a positive or negative relationship with the board,” — Scott Davison, Attorney and Parent, Carlsbad
The controversy surrounding trustee pay raises in San Diego County highlights the broader challenges facing public education funding and governance, raising questions about priorities in times of fiscal strain.
