January 16, 2019 Board Meeting News

January 18th, 2019

Regional Office –

School board examines impact of changes to tax exemption rules
New federal legislation makes all earnings for municipal officers, including school board trustees, fully taxable as of January 1, 2019. This change comes after more than 60 years. Previously, only two-thirds of earnings were taxable. For example, under the new legislation, a trustee earning $20,000 per year would take home approximately $1,500 less per year.

In order to lessen the impact on trustees, administration recommended increasing trustee honoraria rates by 8%. In doing so, trustee after-tax income will be roughly the same. Administration also recommended a 2% cost of living adjustment.

The school board agreed with the recommendations and voted to increase the rates as follows:

  • Meetings less than 4 hours – $108 (from $98)
  • Meetings between 4-8 hours – $216 (from $196)
  • Meetings greater than 8 hours – $324 (from $294)
  • Monthly honorarium – $485 (from $441)

School board approves student citizenship award program
Last fall the board asked parents, students, staff, and community members for their help in identifying important factors to consider as they re-examined division citizenship awards.

Through the online Thoughtexchange, 161 people shared and rated 164 thoughts, showing strong support for the idea that academics should not be a criteria for nomination, and more emphasis should be placed on community service, volunteering and other characteristics such as kindness and respect.

Based on the input, the board approved two types of division awards—Ongoing Kindergarten – Grade 12 awards (by nomination) and Annual Grade 12 awards (by application). Check out the Student Citizenship Awards page on our website for more information on the awards and how to nominate a deserving student!

Check out the board meeting agenda and minutes on our website for more information.

The next school board meeting is on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, starting at 9:30 a.m. at the PHPS Regional Office in Barrhead. Members of the public are welcome to attend.