NJSBA Report Seeks Major Changes in Special Education Policy

Special Education Report: Major Recommendations

Special Education Report: Exemplary Programs

Moncrief Named New Jersey Board Member of the Year

Commissioner Clarifies Permissible Workshop 2007 Hotel Rate

Registration Deadline Approaches for Advanced Board Member Training at Workshop

What Not to Miss on the Exhibit Floor at Workshop

Retiring Board of Directors Members Honored

Ethics Decisions: Update

Change of Meeting Date: NJSBA Resolutions Subcommittee

Calendar

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Commissioner Clarifies Permissible
Workshop 2007 Hotel Rate

The Commissioner of Education last week clarified how school officials should handle hotel costs at Workshop 2007 in light of the new School District Accountability Act.

In a Sept. 17 letter responding to NJSBA, Commissioner of Education Lucille E. Davy noted that the state’s regulations to implement the Accountability Act’s travel restrictions will not be ready before the conference. Therefore, accommodations at Atlantic City hotels during Workshop may be considered reimbursable lodging expenses, as long as –

  • School district policy permits reimbursement, and

  • Hotel rates do not exceed the discount rates offered through the convention bureau.
Direction Needed Enacted last spring, the Accountability Act limits travel expenses and reimbursement for school board members, charter school trustees and district employees. The new law generally brings school district travel reimbursement practices in line with those of state agencies. However, Department of Education regulation is needed to provide further guidance on permissible hotel rates, especially for conferences such as Workshop during which numerous hotels provide accommodations.