Surrey's elected school trustees claimed nearly $21,000 in expenses last year, on top of their combined wages of $207,500.
The figures are included in a recently released report of annual remuneration and expenses for elected officials, included in Surrey's Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) for the year ended June 2011.
As with the last few years, Surrey Board of Education chairperson Laurae McNally was the top spender, submitting $7,170 in expenses. Vice-chair Shawn Wilson was second in line with $5,992. Other trustees trailed the pair with Reni Masi claiming $2,814, Ijaz Chatha at $2,119, Laurie Larsen at $1,197, Terry Allen at $1,196 and Pam Glass expensing $436.
The June 2010 to June 2011 expenses, which are mainly for travel to and from various meetings, are on top of salaries paid to the seven trustees. Board members were paid $29,000 for the year, with the chair and vice-chair receiving an additional $3,000 and $1,500, respectively.
The SOFI report also includes the salaries of more than 2,000 Surrey School District employees who earn $75,000 or more annually. Topping the wage list is Superintendent Mike McKay who made $206,038 and filed $35,475 in expenses. Secretary-treasurer Wayne Noye and retired assistant-superintendent John Ormond were next highest, with wages of $186,846 and $185,872, respectively.
The full SOFI can be viewed at www.sd36.bc.ca/general/FinancialReports/