Business Operations

2024-2025 Budget at a Glance 

Profile Information

Copies of the full budget document are available in the Business Office at Mary Herbert Education Center.

2024-2025 Notice of Hearing

The state requires school districts to calculate the maximum general fund budget using Form 150, and the state legislature requires this form to be posted for public review. The form shows how the school finance formula applies various enrollment adjustments (weightings) to the district’s estimated full-time equivalency (FTE) student enrollment

Form 150

• Building Needs Assessment
• State Assessment
• One Page Summary

• 2014 Legislative Post Audit Report
• Performance and Financial Reports

An employee who suspects fraud, impropriety or irregularity shall promptly report those suspicions to the immediate supervisor and/or the superintendent. The superintendent shall have primary responsibility for any investigations, in coordination with legal counsel and other internal or external departments and agencies as appropriate.

The district encourages complaints, reports or inquiries about illegal practices or violations of district policies, including illegal or improper conduct by the district, its leadership or by others on its behalf. Reports could include, but not be limited to, financial improprieties, accounting or audit matters, ethical violations or other similar illegal or improper practices or policies. The district prohibits retaliation by or on behalf of the district against staff members who make good faith complaints, reports or inquiries under this policy or for participations in a review or investigation under this policy. This protection extends to those whose allegations are made in good faith but prove to be mistaken. The district reserves the right to discipline persons who make bad faith, knowingly false, or vexatious complaints, reports or inquiries or who otherwise abuse this policy.

Complaints, reports or inquiries may be made under this policy on a confidential or anonymous basis. They should describe in detail the specific facts demonstrating the bases for the complaints, reports or inquiries. They should be directed to the superintendent. If the superintendent is implicated in the complaint, report or inquiry, it should be directed to the board of education. The district will conduct a prompt review or investigation. The district may be unable to fully evaluate a vague or general complaint, report or inquiry that is made anonymously.

Excerpt from USD253 Board Policy DC, approved: September 25, 2013

Mileage

• Mileage is paid at a rate of 67 cents a mile, based on the State of Kansas mileage rate.
• Mileage reimbursement is based on the KDOT mileage chart.
• No mileage can be paid if over 60 days as set by the Board of Education.
• You must have a receipt to be reimbursed for turnpike tolls.
• The form can be found on the Business Operations page of the staff website.

Per Diem

• Per Diem is paid for out-of-state travel only and will be reimbursed upon your return.
• Kansas City and the metro area are not considered out-of-state for per diem.
• If a meal is provided at the conference, per diem will not be paid for that meal.
• Per Diem is paid at a rate of $44.00/day.
  • Breakfast $8.00
  • Lunch $14.00
  • Dinner $22.00

Airfare Travel

• Airfare for conferences will be purchased for the employee only.
• If a spouse is traveling with the employee it is the responsibility of the employee/spouse to purchase their ticket.
• The district will pay for 1 checked baggage fee per employee. All other bags that are checked are the employee’s responsibility.

Other Travel

• Prior arrangements for shuttle, taxi, and lodging must be made before traveling.
• All receipts must be turned in after travel is complete. It is the travelers’ responsibility to procure receipts at time of travel.

Travel Cards

• The district has travel cards for out-of-town travel. These credit cards can be used for lodging, tolls, and any incidental travel costs only. No food or restaurant charges are allowed.
• Prior arrangements need to be made to procure a travel card. Call 620-341-2227 or email accounts.payable@usd253.net to secure a card.
• All receipts must be returned with the card the day after travel is completed.
• While the travel card is in your possession you are responsible for that card. If card is lost contact the Business office asap.

Transportation Fees

* Minimum trip charge is $15 per vehicle

Note: Mileage charges cover maintenance, fuel, insurance and depreciation, if applicable.

Driver charges cover average driver salary plus FICA taxes.

Photocopies or Printed Materials per copy: $0.25 per copy