The fiscal situation is not likely to be appreciably better a year from now when Greater Victoria school trustees resume deliberations on giving themselves a pay increase, but delaying the matter was the right thing to do.
Trustee Tom Ferris was not out of line in bringing up the issue of a salary increase last month. Trustees, who are not lavishly paid, have refused to take an increase over the past two years as teachers and staff faced a wage freeze. With those sectors getting modest increases, it was an appropriate time to talk about trustees鈥� pay.
It would not have been unreasonable for trustees to vote in favour of a raise, but with the district facing an $11-million budget shortfall, trustees voted Monday to defer the matter to just before the next election.
Eschewing a pay increase is largely a symbolic move 鈥� trustees鈥� salaries are a minuscule part of the budget 鈥� but it is not empty symbolism. Refusing the increase sends a message that the board is sincere about frugality.
Elected officials setting their own salaries seldom sits well with the electorate. Between now and next autumn, perhaps the school board could find an arm鈥檚-length way to handle the issue. Perhaps a neutral committee from the community could make recommendations, or a retired judge could be asked to look into it.
School trustees aren鈥檛 in it for the money, but they deserve compensation. Everyone 鈥� including the trustees 鈥� should be more comfortable if the issue is decided by a disinterested entity.
