BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Dozens of teachers in Kern County were recently given layoff notices, letting them know they might not be hired next year because of budget restraints.
At the same time, however, school board members continue to get their health benefits paid for entirely by the school district to which they were elected to serve.
Earlier this month, the Greenfield Union School District gave layoff notices to 23 teachers, and more cuts could be coming to other employees. At a recent school board meeting, parents and teachers were told the district had also made cuts in other areas to save as much money as possible.
But, what was not told is that the district pays $14,800 a year in health benefits for four of the five board members, costing the district a total of $59,200. That's money that some say should be spent in the classroom rather than on elected board members. But not all see it that way.
"Each district has to make their own decisions," said Mike Turnipseed with KernTax, a tax watchdog group.
Turnipseed points out that some districts are prudent with their budgets and have avoided laying off any teachers. Andrea Gonzalez serves on the Bakersfield City School District Board of Trustees, and he is also one of four members who receives health care benefits.
Gonzalez said he would not accept the health benefits if the district were laying off employees.
The issue was recently investigated by the Kern County Grand Jury, which said school districts should stop the practice. Standard School District is no longer providing the health benefits for board members.
