214 Policy: Out-of-State Travel by School Board Members

I.    PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to control out-of-state travel by school board members as required by law.

II.    GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

School board members have an obligation to become informed on the proper duties and functions of a school board member, to become familiar with issues that may affect the school district, to acquire a basic understanding of school finance and budgeting, and to acquire sufficient knowledge to comply with federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and school district policies that relate to their functions as school board members.  Occasionally, it may be appropriate for school board members to travel out of state to fulfill their obligations.

III.    APPROPRIATE TRAVEL

Travel outside the state is appropriate when the school board finds it proper for school board members to acquire knowledge and information necessary to allow them to carry out their responsibilities as school board members. Travel to regional or national meetings of the National School Boards Association is presumed to fulfill this purpose. Travel to other out-of-state meetings for which the member intends to seek reimbursement from the school district must be approved prior to the actual expense being made.

Adopted/Revised
Adopted:  12/20/05    

Legal References
Minn. Stat. § 123B.09, Subd. 2 (School Board Member Training)
Minn. Stat. § 471.661 (Out-of-State Travel)
Minn. Stat. § 471.665 (Mileage Allowances)
Minn. Op. Atty. Gen. No. 1035 (August 23, 1999) (Retreat Expenses)
Minn. Op. Atty. Gen. No. 161b-12 (August 4, 1997) (Transportation Expenses)