WESTFIELD - Westfield Academy and Central School officials continue to revamp and edit a new district policy regarding employee travel.
After the travel expenses of several district employees came into question over the last year, school employees may now be required to hand in their mileage according to Google Maps, a copy of the proposed policy said.
The policy, which is still being developed, states that all mapped mileage will be taken from Google Maps at the shortest distance. It also states mileage is not reimbursed for any employee commuting to and from work.
"Mileage will be paid for the distance traveled as calculated by Google Maps from the base point of origin to each approved stop, except as specifically provided," the policy states. "Westfield Academy and Central School shall be considered the base point of origin."
If a fraudulent claim is submitted, the employee may face termination, according to the policy.
However, at a recent Board of Education meeting, board members worked to further refine the plan. Mark Winslow, board member, said the plan should be sent back to the board's audit committee to further clarify points in the policy.
"I don't want to hold it up forever, but I really think it could be better," he said. "I think it needs to be very clear, and I don't see it as a real clear thing."
Winslow said the district needed to better state how to figure out mileage.
Other board members agreed.
"We want to be as clear and specific as possible," said Joy Bodenmiller.
Also at the meeting, board members approved the district's 2009-10 tax warrant. According to Al Holbrook, district business manager, town of Westfield residents will see a 6 cent per thousand increase totaling $22.34; Portland residents will see a $1.28 per thousand decrease totaling $28.66; and town of Ripley residents will see an 84 cent per thousand decrease totaling $18.77.