Procedure

Procedure 2920.1 - Trustees' Remuneration and Benefits

1. PURPOSE

1.1.	As outlined in the School Act, a board of education has the authority to approve compensation for the chair, vice- chair, and other trustees. Additionally, the board can approve a reasonable allowance to cover expenses that trustees incur while fulfilling their duties.

2. TRUSTEES’ HONORARIUM

2.1.	On an annual basis, a survey will be taken of the metro school districts to ensure the current honorarium is competitive with school districts in the region. The survey results will be presented to the Surrey Board of Education by the Secretary-Treasurer along with information on the current honorarium increased by the CPI for Vancouver rounded to the nearest $100.
2.2.	Any adjustments to the honorarium shall be effective annually to coincide with the district’s fiscal year.
2.3.	Trustee’s compensation will be paid on a bi-weekly basis, subject to statutory deductions, and will be deposited directly into an account of a financial institution of the trustee’s choice.
2.4.	To account for the increased responsibilities associated with their roles, the honorarium for the chairperson will be set at 15% higher than the trustee base rate, and for the vice-chairperson it will be set at 7.5% higher than the trustee base rate.

3. ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

3.1.

Retirement Contribution
Regular bi-weekly payments will be grossed up by 9% with the expectation that trustees will utilize the retirement contribution for retirement purposes, such as RRSP or TFSA contribution.

3.2.

Benefits in Lieu
The Board will provide and fully cover the cost of group life insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage for each trustee under a district benefit package should trustees so elect. Trustees who are uninsured or only partially insured will receive the remaining package value (up to 10% of the basic honorarium minus the insurance premiums) through regular bi-weekly payments so that they may obtain insurance coverage themselves.

3.3.

Transition Allowance
Upon completion of their service, each trustee shall be entitled to a transition allowance designed to facilitate their transition from office, as outlined below:

a)	A trustee completing their first term shall receive a transition allowance equivalent to two (2) weeks of the trustees’ basic honorarium at the end of their service.
b)	A trustee concluding two (2) or more terms shall be granted a transition allowance equal to two (2) weeks of the trustees' basic honorarium per year of continuous service, prevailing at the end of their tenure.
c)	Exceptions to a) and b) above include trustees who do not fulfill their elected term. In such cases, the entitlement to a transition allowance will be at the discretion of the Board, considering any mitigating circumstances.

3.4.

Application of Allowance:

a)	The allowance will only be disbursed if the trustee is leaving office in "good standing."
b)	Trustees eligible for a transition allowance may choose to receive the payment as a lump sum or as a series of equal monthly installments, starting from the date of resignation or the end of their term if not re-elected.
c)	In the event of a trustee's demise, the transition allowance will be paid to the trustee's estate or designated beneficiary.

4. TRUSTEE TRAVEL EXPENSE

4.1.	Trustees are entitled to reimbursement for authorized travel, including to committee meetings, school events involving district employees or students (when representing the Board), official functions benefiting the district (such as hearings or government meetings), and any other school-related group meetings that benefit the district. Travel distances will be measured from the trustee’s home address as the standard base measurement.
4.2.	Trustees may claim reimbursement based on the traveled distance per kilometer and may also request additional coverage for vehicle insurance as outlined in Procedure 4100.1 Internal Controls, Expenditure Management & Expenditure Reimbursement. This procedure provides guidelines for submitting claims, including the relevant rates and allowances.
4.3.	Throughout a trustee's term, there are numerous conventions, conferences, and seminars that offer valuable professional development opportunities. The Board will cover actual expenses for travel, lodging, registration fees, and incidentals such as parking when a trustee participates in any of these events. Reimbursement for such costs will adhere to Procedure 4100.1 Internal Controls, Expenditure Management & Expenditure Reimbursement.

5. OTHER EXPENSES

5.1.	Trustees are eligible for compensation for the cost of home internet service.

6. REFERENCES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS

6.1.	Policy 2920 Trustees' Remuneration and Benefits
6.2.	Policy 2900 Trustee Professional Development and Attendance at Conferences.
6.3.	Procedure 4100.1 Internal Controls, Expenditure Management & Expenditure Reimbursement.

7. AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

7.1.	Superintendent of Schools
7.2.	Secretary-Treasurer

8. HISTORY

Revised:	2024-03-13 (by board motion at In-Camera Board Meeting) Effective: July 1, 2024 2019-06-12 2015-06-19 (by 2015-06-18 board motion) 2008-05-08 2006-02-20 (by 2006-02-09 board motion)
Reprinted:	1999-11-01
Approved:	1999-02-25