This interesting case highlights the weaknesses of the "let every school be an academy or a free school and manage itself" movement. If this can happen in an LA school, what scope is there for mis-management in less accountable schools?
A well managed school requires a competent and professional leadership team (head, deputies, bursar), a competent and professional governing body to act as a balance and do regular monitoring of finance and check that procedures being followed and an independent auditor (LA or other) to ensure that public money is not being mis-spent like this.
In all my time as governor (12 yrs was it..?) I never remember anyone claiming for expenses... although they should feel able to if they need to e.g. babysitting or fuel to attend a meeting etc.
Having a chair of governors living abroad is IMO ludicrous.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-23131908
Kate Garroway-Care at home costs
How do you acknowledge Easter.
Help Please! Grandchild being taken to live abroad