Audrey Trombley was re-elected as chairwoman of the South East Cornerstone Public School Division’s Board on Nov. 22.
The reorganizational session was slotted in during a recess in the regular public meeting. This allowed the trustees to reconvene for the organizational meeting halfway through the regular session.
The process was efficient because the chair and vice-chair positions went unopposed, with Carol Flynn once again assuming the role as vice-chairwoman.
Tromblay represents subdivision 5 and resides in the Midale area. Flynn is the representative for subdivision 1 and resides near Moosomin.
Other reorganizational matters were covered efficiently, with trustee assignments to committees such as the audit team, Saskatchewan School Boards Association public section membership, provincial school athletics association and government/human resources committee representatives from Cornerstone.
The board will continue to meet on the third Wednesday of each month, with a break in that schedule being observed in July and August of 2018.
Due to ongoing pressure from the provincial government to keep expenses in check, or reduced, the trustees again voted in favour of maintaining the status quo in terms of per diem indemnities, keeping the rate at $235 per meeting per day, with a half-indemnity of $117.50 being in effect for any meeting or assignment that takes four hours or less to complete.
However, if total time, including travel exceeds four hours (half-day meeting) or eight hours (full day meeting) additional hours will be paid at a rate of $25 per hour.
The trustees also stuck to the $235 per month payment for preparation time with the chairperson receiving an additional amount to accommodate the heavier workload that is required of that position.
Other financial issues such as travel and mileage allowances were kept at the traditional rate. It was agreed that one-third of the indemnity amounts were non-taxable incomes.
Other expenses such as accommodations and meals while on board business are to be approved on a rate comparable to the provincial legislative bodies.
Trombley noted she had done some research into payment schedules for other school divisions across the province and is satisfied with the outcome.
“We are on the low side of the median when it comes to compensation. I felt it was necessary to find that out in the name of transparency toward the communities we serve,” said Trombley.
