CSBA NEEDS TO REDUCE EXPENSES NOW


Scott Plotkin, 57, the executive director of the California School Boards Association (CSBA), a educational non-profit, was paid $516,517 in 2008 and $452,339 in 2009 after receiving sizable bonuses and other compensation.

Plotkin was CSBA's executive director for nine years. Prior to CSBA, he worked for the California State University system and was a consultant for the state Senate Committee on Education.
Plotkin retired under fire Sept. 1st with a $43,000 severance payment, Plotkin now draws $205,000 annually from his California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) pension . He is receiving $17,089 monthly from CalPERS. Plotkin's salary was spiked during his last three years to increase his retirement payouts.

In addition, Mr. Plotkin illegally used his CSBA administrative credit card to take $10,000 cash advances at various casinos on multiple occasions. A full revelation of CSBA credit card abuse was never made public.
CSBA Chief Deputy Executive Director Jeff Vaca is serving as interim executive director. Tax filings show Vaca earned $180,700 in 2009.

CSBA lobbies on behalf of school boards, provides trustees with professional development acts a resource on policy and legal issues, and holds annual state-wide meetings.
CSBA receives much of its funding from membership dues and other fees paid by publicly funded California school districts and county offices of education. In essence, when our schools run out of money, CSBA dues and fees are part of the reason and you and I must pay more via tax increases.
CSBA needs to repair its reputation and become financially responsible. This is our money they are wasting. CSBA needs to cut salaries, bonuses and benefits. CSBA even filed a lawsuit against the state of California demanding more money to schools and claiming money mismanagement by the state.
As for CalPERS,Plotkin is entitled to up to a 2% COLA every year. This means his first COLA in May 2012 will add an additional $350 a month to his pension, and he will be getting 2% increases every year for the rest of his life.
California has over $500 billion in unfunded retirement benefits now and this abuse of the California retirement system needs to be corrected immediately. Plotkin should have a cap on his retirement benefits at the level of $150,000. Fiscal responsibility has to be the new rule in California