Question:  We have a music teacher that had a guest conductor. Can we reimburse the guest’s mileage? She submitted no Purchase Order and only a handwritten note with the request for reimbursement.

Response: The answer to your question really depends on your own district’s policy on reimbursing of expenditures and what documentation is required.  Also, because teachers cannot enter into contracts between the district and anyone else, the music teacher promising the guest conductor to reimburse for mileage is not a commitment the district has to recognize, unless the district chooses to pay for the expenditure.  Only those employees designated by the board can authorize district contracts and commitments.

We suggest that you check with your business office on the expenditure and seek their advice based on board policy and procedures.  And, regardless of the outcome of this reimbursement, this is a great example to share with staff on what SHOULD be done in the future so that everyone knows what the rules are.