No Board members may receive compensation for services, except that a Board member serving as the Board Secretary may be paid an amount up to the statutory limit if the board so provides.

The Board of Education may advance or reimburse members the actual and necessary expenses incurred while attending:

1. Meetings sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education or by the Regional Superintendent of Schools;
2. County or regional meetings and the annual meeting sponsored by any school board association complying with Article 23 of The School Code; and
3. Meetings sponsored by an organization in the field of public school education.

Expense reimbursement is not guaranteed and Board members should seek pre-approval of expenses, except in situations when the expense is diminutive. A member must return to the District any portion of an expense advance not used. Members must submit an itemized, signed voucher to support any expense advanced or to seek expense reimbursement. The voucher must show the amount of actual expenses, attaching receipts if possible. A Board member submitting a bill for a group function should record participating members' names on the receipt.

Money shall not be advanced or reimbursed for: 1) the expenses of any person except the Board of Education member, or 2) anyone's personal expenses.

The Superintendent shall review the submitted vouchers for compliance with this policy. If any voucher's compliance appears uncertain, the Superintendent shall notify the Board President, or Vice President if the voucher in question is from the President, as well as the Board member who submitted the voucher. The Superintendent shall include the voucher in the monthly list of bills that are presented to the Board of Education for approval or rejection.

When possible, registration fees will be paid by the District in advance.

The least expensive transportation will be used, providing that no hardship will be caused to the Board member. Board of Education members will be reimbursed for:

1. Air travel at the coach or single class commercial airline rate. First class air travel will be reimbursed only if emergency circumstances warrant. The emergency circumstances must be explained on the expense voucher. Copies of receipts must be attached to the expense voucher.
2. Rail or bus travel at actual cost. Rail or bus travel costs may not exceed the cost of coach air fare. Copies of receipts will be attached to the expense voucher to substantiate amounts.
3. Use of personal automobiles at the standard mileage rate approved by the Internal Revenue Service for income tax purposes. The reimbursement may not exceed the cost of coach air fare. Mileage for use of personal automobiles in trips to and from transportation terminals will also be reimbursed. Toll charges and parking costs will be reimbursed.
4. Automobile rental costs when the vehicle's use is warranted. The circumstances for such use must be explained on the expense voucher.
5. Taxis, airport limousines, or other local transportation costs.

Board of Education members should request conference rate or mid-fare room accommodations. A single room rate will be reimbursed. Board of Education members should pay personal expenses at check-out. If that is impossible, deductions for the charges should be made on the expense voucher.

Meal charges to the School District should represent "mid-fare" selections for the hotel/meeting facility or general area and generally should not exceed $125.00 per day. Tips are included with the meal charges. Expense vouchers must explain the meal charges incurred.

Board of Education members may include any other costs related to Board activities on expense vouchers.

LEGAL REF.: 105 ILCS 5/10-22.32.

CROSS REF.: 2.100, 2.120, 4.50

Adopted: March 28, 1996

Revised: April 25, 2001

Revised: May 22, 2002