No where in the policy does the district agree to pay for tips and gratuities.

Samuels, however, billed the district for $119 worth of tips during her 2006 Chicago trip.

The Board president submitted the numerous listings of tips on personal stationary and included no copy of receipts or proof that she even paid bell men and valets.

“For all travel taken, Trustees shall file a travel statement with receipts accounting for travel amounts actually expended,” Board policy BBG (Local) explained.

Finally, Board policy BBG (Local) requires that all trustees submit their reimbursement requests to the superintendent no later than seven days after the trip.

Samuels Chicago trip expense report was not received in Redmond’s office until April, 24, 2006, according to Redmond’s official receiving stamp on the documents.

The board president’s Chicago trip concluded on April 12, 2006, however, Samuels did not submit her reimbursement request for another 12 days.

Redmond said although the district did not have designated responsibilities for monitoring board travel in the past, that he and Interim Superintendent Jim Weeks were working on a new plan to ensure better board practices.

“Under our old administration, the superintendent handled all of the expense reports,” Redmond said. “Dr. Weeks and I have arranged for all travel reimbursement requests to come through my office first from now on. It is now my responsibility.”

All Port Arthur ISD board policies can be found on the district’s Web-site, www.paisd.org.

Although representatives from Nederland and Beaumont ISD’s were contacted for information pertaining to their district’s board travel budget, no information was released to The News as of press time.

Contact this reporter at asanders@panews.com or (409) 721-2427.