The Examiner U-46 News Feed

Updated travel guidelines adopted by District U-46

By Seth Hancock
  The Board of Education in School District U-46 unanimously approved, via a 7-0 vote, of updated travel guidelines for district staff and board members at its May 2 meeting.
  The updates increased the reimbursement levels for certain travel expenses for district staff.
  A memo from Ann Williams, deputy superintendent of operations, stated the guidelines were originally adopted in 2016.
  “Since that time, travel costs and convenience fees have changed substantially,” Williams wrote. “As such, the Executive Cabinet reviewed the guidelines and discussed potential changes.”
  Williams added: “According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, airline fares have declined since 2016 while lodging and food away from home costs have increased substantially. As such, the recommended changes include a [$5 increase to the dinner per diem, and a $50] maximum baggage fee reimbursement.”
  Meal reimbursements will remain the same for breakfast ($10) and lunch ($15) but increase from $20 to $25 for dinner. Previously, baggage fees were not reimbursed in the guidelines.
  “In addition to travel inflation, new flight convenience options are available to consumers,” Williams wrote. “As examples, early boarding and seat selection fees are commonplace on most airlines today. While we do not recommend reimbursing these fees, we propose adding language to address them within our travel guidelines.”
  Williams added: “Finally, while airline fares have not exceeded 2016 levels, recent world events are impacting current rates. As such, we also proposed language that adds clarity on how to handle requests for exceptions.”
  Approval for travel expenses has been reduced from a 35-day notice to 30. Round trip airfare maximum remains at $500 and automobile travel at $250, but the guidelines now allows for exceptions to be submitted for review.
  The guidelines previously banned first class airfare. That remains, but business class has also been added.
  Board members and cabinet-level administrators are allowed reimbursements up to $100 per meal for “business meals.” That remains in the guidelines, but added was a prohibition for reimbursement for alcohol.