Senate Bill No. 356, identified as File No. 187, is a legislative proposal that aims to amend the general statutes concerning the compensation of Board of Education members. The bill proposes to repeal the current statute that prohibits Board of Education members from receiving compensation for their services, except for necessary expenses incurred while performing duties delegated by the board. Instead, the new language inserted into the bill allows for the Board of Education to fix the salaries and compensation of its members, excluding the secretary of the board, whose compensation may continue to be fixed by the town as provided in section 7-460.

The bill also includes a provision that maintains the prohibition of Board of Education members from being employed for compensation by the board in any position within the school system, with the exception of serving on a school building committee or receiving a salary as permitted by the new amendment. The fiscal impact statement attached to the bill indicates that there is no state impact, but there could be potential costs to local and regional school districts starting in fiscal year 2025 if they choose to compensate board members. The costs would depend on the compensation levels set by the boards and the number of board members. The bill is effective upon passage and has received a joint favorable report from the Government Administration and Elections Committee with a vote of 17 in favor and 2 against on March 15, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-225, 10-232
GAE Joint Favorable: 10-225, 10-232
File No. 187: 10-225, 10-232