❗ TONIGHT: BOARD TO RE-VOTE ON SUPERINTENDENT SALARY & 80% RETIREMENT BENEFIT
Dear Save Morongo Schools supporters,
Tonight the MUSD Board is scheduled to re-vote on Superintendent Patricio Vargas’s proposed $310,348 salary and a supplemental retirement benefit equal to 80% of his final pay, contingent on remaining through 2030.
These compensation actions originally passed on June 16, just one week after intense public attention on the Enrollment Committee and possible school closures. Attendance at the June 16 meeting was much lower, and the compensation votes received little public scrutiny.
But the public kept watching.
A possible Brown Act violation was identified, and a formal Cure and Correct demand was sent to the District. Now the agreements are back on the agenda for another public vote under Items 12.H–12.L.
The proposed numbers include:
- Superintendent Vargas — $310,348/year
- Separation benefit — 80% of final annual salary, roughly $250,000, tied to remaining through 2030
- Four assistant superintendents — about $224,000–$256,000 each
- More than $1.2 million per year in cabinet salaries alone
At the same time, MUSD is considering closing Landers Elementary and cutting school-level positions in response to its budget deficit.
Tonight the Board votes again — this time with the public watching.
This is why public oversight matters.
People noticed what happened, raised the issue, and the votes are now returning to a public agenda.
Whatever your view, this is the moment to hear the discussion, see how each Board member votes, and express your opinion directly.
Sept. 8 · 6:00 PM
MUSD Board Meeting
Joshua Tree Elementary School
4950 Sunburst Ave., Joshua Tree
Public oversight only works when the public shows up!
Morongo Parents for Transparency
Save Morongo Schools