Superintendent clarifies travel/expense procedures; board considers issuing P‑cards to members

Superintendent Hyde used the Jan. 27 work session to clarify administrative procedures that interpret Policy 6550 (travel and expenses). The procedures are administrative in nature and are intended to clarify processes for staff (e.g., allowable per-diem and documentation rules) and to reduce speculation and ambiguity.

Board members indicated interest in having consistent practices between staff and the board; several suggested incorporating handbook guidance for board travel rather than embedding operational details into the formal policy because policy revisions require a public-notice and hearing process. Attorney Green confirmed procedures can inform the handbook and that the district is reviewing the policy for statutory alignment.

Hyde also reported that several board members have requested P-cards (district-issued purchasing cards). He said there is no statutory prohibition on board members receiving P-cards but that receiving one requires annual training and compliance with receipt and documentation rules. The superintendent and counsel said the district would schedule required training for any board member who chooses to be issued a P-card and would establish controls and annual compliance checks.