District's travel practices prove costly

A Texas Watchdog review of three years of the Houston Independent School District's travel records shows a penchant for pricey, last-minute tickets, and a toothless travel policy that allows teachers and staff broad discretion over travel spending. Reporters also spotlighted the school district's use of a travel agency that adds $30 to every ticket issued by the district, even though the school system has two employees, paid $50,750 each, devoted full-time to making travel arrangements. Texas Watchdog used paper records, a database of credit card transactions, and interviews to develop this story.