Video: Northshore school administrators enjoy special perks

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BOTHELL, Wash. - At a time when the school district for the Bothell-Woodinville area is talking about closing a school to save money, it's buying home electronics for the personal use of administrators.

The Northshore School District says buying TVs, digital cameras and iPods for administrators is part of their pay and helps make them familiar with technology.

All but 13 of 93 eligible administrators have taken advantage of the benefit, spending $119,000 under the current contract.

"Even an HDTV is used for work, because it's hooked up to a computer and used like a monitor," said Susan Stoltzfus, Northshore School District spokesperson.

"I don't understand how a digital picture frame is a work-related activity, nor a big screen TV, nor an iPod," said teacher's union president Tim Brittle.

It was a sore issue at a recent school board meeting when Brittle demanded that the practice stop.

"I wouldn't consider it a perk because it is considered part of your salary compensation, it's taxable," said Stoltzfus.

The benefit is given to administrators and approved by administrators, but isn't offered to teachers.

"These purchases do not directly go to helping children," said Brittle.

School Board President Cathy Swanson says the district needs to clarify the program to make sure the purchases are job related.

There are other school districts that offer similar perks for administrators, such as Bellevue, but they require the purchases be educational. The Northshore School District implemented that change on Wednesday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.