Frequently Asked Questions: Board member per diems and expenses

Meeting/Training per diems: Under KRS 160.280, board members may receive a per diem for board meetings and required training programs. KRS 160.280(1) provides that a board member may receive a per diem of $75.00 for each regular or special meeting attended. This same $75.00 per diem is also permitted for training required of board members by KRS 160.180(5). Under KRS 160.180(5), board members must obtain a minimum number of hours of training based on the number of years of experience held by the board member. As long as a board member is receiving training required by KRS 160.180(5), the board member may receive a per diem. In contrast, once the member has obtained the necessary hours required by statute, but elects to receive additional training, the board member may not receive per diem for the additional hours. The board may not compensate a member for lost wages due to attendance at a meeting or training. OAG 85-53. It must be noted that the statute places a $3,000 cap per calendar year on each member's per diems-and these per diems are combined, for purposes of this limit, whether for attendance at board meetings or required training.

Expenses Incurred: Under KRS 160.280(1), board members may also receive (in addition to the per diems discussed above) reimbursement for their actual expenses in attending regular and special meetings within the district. The statute places a $3,000 cap per calendar year on each member's in-district expenses. This $3,000 limit is in addition to the $3,000 limit placed on per diem payments. See, e.g., OAG 92-136. KRS 160.280(2) states that a board member may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenditures incurred outside the district "in the performance of their duties" and as authorized by the board; this statutory section does not place a cap on out-of-district reimbursement amounts. The board may not pay a travel reimbursement claim of a board member unless the board authorized the expense before the expense was incurred. OAG 76-329.

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