Governor Signs AB 1390 to Update School Board Member Compensation

For immediate release:

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1390, authored by Assemblymember José Luis Solache (D-Lynwood), to modernize monthly compensation levels for members of school district and county boards of education.

"Serving as a school board trustee is a demanding role that requires a great deal of time, research, training, public engagement, and commitment," said Assemblymember Solache. "While the responsibilities of our school boards have grown exponentially in recent years, compensation limits have not been adjusted to reflect this reality. AB 1390 will help boards with the financial capacity to modestly and responsibly increase their compensation - ensuring that opportunities to serve our students remain accessible to all Californians."

Under current law, board member compensation ranges from $60 to $1,500 per month, depending on a district's average daily attendance. These thresholds have not been adjusted in over 40 years, failing to account for inflation or the significant expansion of board responsibilities.

In many communities - particularly those with limited financial resources - outdated compensation levels make it difficult for individuals who support themselves and their families to serve or seek election to school boards. AB 1390 offers a responsible solution by allowing boards with the financial capacity to increase compensation transparently and in line with inflation, while maintaining existing public accountability processes.

Supporters, led by the California School Boards Association (CSBA), the bill's sponsor, say the legislation will help retain experienced trustees and attract a wider range of community members - especially those balancing work and family responsibilities. "I was proud to author AB 1390 in partnership with CSBA and education leaders across California to ensure school board service remains accessible to all community members," said Assemblymember Solache.

"CSBA sponsored AB 1390 to support democratic representation in every school community and ensure that board members, including those in smaller and rural districts, receive equitable compensation," said Dr. Bettye Lusk, President of the California School Boards Association. "These much-needed changes will help attract and retain qualified leaders in places where board service is often a financial sacrifice, and where representation matters most. We appreciate Assemblymember Solache's tireless work on this important measure and his steadfast commitment to California's public school students and those who serve them."

"As a school board member, I support AB 1390 because it affirms the value of our service and the equity we strive for," said Alma Carina Castro, Ed.D., Lynwood Unified School District Board Member and CSBA Director-at-Large, Hispanic. "Fair compensation opens the door for diverse voices. If we want boards that truly represent the communities we serve, we must remove uneven financial obstacles to service. I thank Assemblymember Solache for his leadership - AB 1390 is about equity, access, and valuing the vital responsibility and commitment of school trustees."

"School board service is one of the most personal forms of public service," added Brad Crihfield, Board Clerk, Bellflower Unified School District. "We show up for our students, families, and staff week after week - not for the paycheck, but for the purpose. AB 1390 sends a message that the work we do matters, and that valuing our time helps strengthen local governance and ultimately supports better outcomes for kids."

Drawing on his own experience, Assemblymember Solache reflected on the bill's personal significance. "As someone who had the privilege of serving on the Lynwood Unified School District Board of Education for ten years, I know firsthand how important it is to make board service accessible to people from all backgrounds," said Solache, who was elected to the board at the age of 23. "AB 1390 ensures that individuals supporting themselves and their families can consider serving - so that students and families are represented in the decisions that shape our schools."

For more information, follow Assemblymember Solache at the following social media channels:

Instagram: @asmsolache
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AsmSolache/

For additional information, please contact:

Assemblymember Solache Communications Director, Chris.Mateo@asm.ca.gov

Assemblymember José Luis Solache, Jr. was first elected to the California State Assembly in November 2024 representing the cities and communities of Lakewood, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount, South Gate, Huntington Park, Bellflower and Walnut Park. For a full biography of Assemblymember Solache, click here.

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