S.F. supervisors propose full-time school board

San Francisco school board members would become full-time workers, with an 800 percent raise, health benefits and a pension, under a proposed City Charter amendment introduced Tuesday at the Board of Supervisors.

If the measure makes it through the supervisors and passes muster with voters next November, the city's seven school board members would receive $50,000 a year plus benefits and be required to work full time for the city's schools - with the city footing the bill.

They would be among a handful of California school board members earning a full-time paycheck to do what has long been considered a largely volunteer position.

In San Francisco, the seven school board members currently receive a $500 monthly stipend, shared use of a district car and a life insurance policy they can cash out when they leave. There are no term limits.

Supervisor Bevan Dufty, who authored the measure, believes the stipend is not nearly enough given the board's workload, including oversight of a $500 million budget and the crafting of policies affecting the district's 55,000 students.

The monthly pay has remained the same since 1983.

Despite an expected $400 million budget shortfall next year, the city would be required to cover the $400,000 or so to compensate the board for full-time status - at least at first.

The measure requires the district to pick up the tab if and when voters pass another school parcel tax.

Supervisor David Campos co-authored the measure, with former school board member Eric Mar and John Avalos as sponsors.

"I've come to appreciate how much time and effort goes into being a member of the school board," Dufty said. "It's a huge commitment to do the job well. I think that it comes at great sacrifice."

It's unclear what additional costs would be associated with a full-time school board, including the potential need for more support staff, office needs or even the increased demand on existing staff time.

"I think it's an interesting concept that probably needs more exploration and more looking into," said Superintendent Carlos Garcia. "I'd like to spend a little more time with the supervisors and different people working out some of the things on it."

The proposed charter amendment would require new board members to go through training and complete at least 10 hours of professional development every year. The board members would also be required to adopt policies suggested by the city controller regarding the reimbursement of board expenses.

School board member Jill Wynns, who is serving her fifth four-year term, fully supports the idea of a full-time paycheck.

"I think the real question is, do we think it's a (full-time) job?" she said. "I do."

Wynns said board members are expected to attend several hours of meetings nearly every week, answer dozens of e-mails daily, attend midday school events and make public appearances. That limits the ability to hold another job.

Only one board member, Hydra Mendoza, currently works full time. She is Mayor Gavin Newsom's education adviser.

"I knew people who left the board because they couldn't (afford) it anymore," Wynns said. "Frankly, I've struggled for years with that."

E-mail Jill Tucker at jtucker@sfchronicle.com.

This article appeared on page D - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle