District to return next month with travel policy tied to federal grants; major federal grant application on hold

District staff presented a proposed revision to the district’s travel policy on Oct. 6 that would incorporate reimbursement and travel rules for activities tied to federal grants. The policy proposal will return to the board for action next month.

Why this matters: The revision would formalize travel reimbursement procedures specifically for federal-grant activities and would apply when the district incurs travel costs associated with grant-funded projects.

What staff told the board:
- The proposed change would move travel guidance for federal-grant-funded travel into the district’s core policies; the district already has a travel policy but staff said the revision clarifies travel related to federal grants.
- Staff noted the district had submitted a federal grant this year with a requested amount "probably close to $2,000,000," covering items such as science-adoption support, MTSS student supports and preschool. Staff said, however, that because of issues with the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA/Department of Education) funding this cycle, it appears unlikely the district will receive the grant this year; staff described the chance of funding as "slim." The district will keep the grant on file in case funds become available later.

Board action: The item was presented for discussion; staff will return with the draft policy for formal approval at the next meeting.