The Shasta County Office of Education (SCOE) board is set to debate a proposed amendment to its bylaws that would allow members to submit conference travel requests directly to the superintendent without needing majority approval. The current process requires board members to obtain majority approval to attend conferences or professional development activities.

Proposed Amendment

The proposed amendment, brought forward by board member Authur Gorman, would enable members to submit details for desired training, including registration, travel, meals, and related costs, directly to the superintendent. The amendment’s wording indicates that SCOE “shall” reimburse such requests, suggesting that no approval from the superintendent would be required.

Gorman argued that the proposed process would save time during meetings and encourage board members to seek out more educational opportunities. However, trustee Laura Manuel expressed concerns that the amendment could make the bylaw an “open checkbook.” Manuel has proposed a counter-amendment that would continue to cap funding requests annually and require board approval.

Costs and Concerns

According to data shared by SCOE Communications Director Kerri Schuette, the board spent approximately $17,000 last year on conference attendance, a significant increase from $8,500 in 2022. The rise in costs is attributed to rising registration fees and travel expenses, as well as a greater number of trustees attending professional development activities.

Manuel, who attended the California School Boards Association’s Annual Education Conference in San Diego, noted that while the experience was informative, it did not seem proportional to the cost of attendance. Other conferences SCOE trustees regularly attend include those led by the Association of California County Boards of Education and the California Association of Student Councils.

The board will vote on both Gorman and Manuel’s proposed amendments during the July 8 board meeting, which will be held at 6:00 p.m. at SCOE’s Shasta Hall Conference Room in Redding.

Original reporting: Shasta Scout (Redding) — read the source article.