Second time’s the charm for CCSD end of service allowance, as the board of trustees approved the motion they denied last year.
This time, the motion passed along with raises for board chairs and members.
Despite carrying a $18.6 million deficit in the 2024/25 school year, Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) trustees approved the implementation of both an end of service (transition) allowance as well as a three per cent increase to chair and trustees’ annual honoraria.
The approved three per cent increase in honoraria is effective Sept. 1, 2025 for all trustees. However, the three per cent increase for board chair and vice chair will include retroactive pay, effective Sept. 1, 2024. The retroactive component was included in the 24/25 CCSD budget, according to trustee Linda Wellman.
Comparator data shown at the June 18 board meeting highlighted the CCSD’s honoraria as two-point-five per cent under market position when compared to other Alberta public school boards.
Prior to the increase, board members’ annual honoraria was $42,769.00, with the chair and vice chair receiving an additional allowance of $11,375.00 and $5,584.80, according to section seven of the CCSD board policy handbook.
During motion debate, Wellman noted that altering the scheduled increases would be difficult to change.
“We’ve given direction to our administration and it was incorporated in our budget, so for us to start changing direction at this juncture, I think is unreasonable,” she said.
“It’s something that can be looked at perhaps in the next budget year.”
In accordance with the CCSD board operations policy, the board reviews trustee compensation once every four years taking into consideration budgetary and economic factors, the ability to attract and retain individuals as well as other relevant factors.
Allowance introduced for departing trustees
Approving end of service allowance keeps the CCSD consistent with other Alberta public school boards, including the Calgary Board of Education, which offer end of service allowance for former trustees, according to the shown comparator data.
The allowance is calculated at a rate of two weeks per year of service, based on 1/26 of the trustee’s annual honorarium, with a maximum cap of one-half of the annual honorarium.
The estimated maximum amount a trustee could receive under the current rates is approximately $21,000 after 13 years of service.
The allowance will apply to current and future trustees, meaning any former trustees, no matter their years of service, will not be paid a retroactive allowance.
Allowance dollars will be accrued annually at an average of approximately $1,700 per trustee, according to a CCSD statement.
“As with other metro boards, this amount will be planned for and budgeted over time, ensuring responsible financial stewardship with minimal impact on the district’s overall budget,” the statement read.
The CCSD was unable to provide specific numbers reflecting budget impact.
