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Board to consider policy change allowing district-paid airfare; mileage and per diem adjustments proposed
Summary
Dr. Doyle proposed allowing the district to pay for staff airline tickets up front, raise the mileage reimbursement to the IRS rate of $0.70 per mile and update per diems; the board will vote next week and staff suggested an implementation date of March 1, 2025 if approved.
At the Jan. 14 meeting Dr. Doyle presented proposed changes to the district travel policy that would allow the district to pay for airline tickets directly rather than require staff to purchase airfare and wait for reimbursement.
Doyle said the proposal aims to reduce financial burden on staff who may have to place large airline charges on personal cards and then wait weeks for reimbursement. He recommended a trial period of six months to a year for air travel payments and said hotels could be added to the district-paid booking process after the initial period once procedures are tested.
The superintendent also proposed increasing the district mileage reimbursement from $0.50 to $0.70 per mile to match the current IRS rate and raised per diem amounts to reflect cost increases for meals. Staff said they would provide the state travel guide with city‑specific geographic differentials so the board can adopt location-based adjustments (for example, higher rates for New Orleans during seasonal peak pricing).
Doyle asked that, if the board votes in favor next week, the policy change take effect on March 1, 2025 to avoid an influx of bookings tied to an immediate roll-out; he said the district's largest airline trip of the year is imminent and staff should not be overwhelmed. The board did not vote on Jan. 14; Doyle and finance staff will bring the proposed policy and corrected mileage references to the next meeting for a vote.
