Board approves JROTC trip to Mansfield, Texas amid trustee concerns about safety protocols

The Waukegan Board of Education on a recorded roll call approved a JROTC field trip to Mansfield, Texas, scheduled Oct. 2–6, 2025, with estimated district-related costs of $18,000. The motion to approve was moved by board member Hannah and seconded by board member Riddle; the motion carried after discussion and a roll-call vote.
Board member Fabian raised safety concerns and asked for a more robust, step‑by‑step protocol for chaperones, including training on how to respond if a student is detained or if emergency events occur while out of state. Fabian also said family‑separation planning (who will care for children if a parent is detained or otherwise unavailable) should be a districtwide practice rather than being presented only to immigrant families. Board member Lensing said she could not support the trip on safety-first grounds; other trustees said they supported the educational opportunity and voted to approve.
Administrators confirmed required trip paperwork and a briefing plan for chaperones are part of the field‑trip materials but did not present a multi-page emergency operations protocol during the meeting. The vote tally recorded: Fabian—pass, Hannah—yes, Lensing—no, McBride—yes, Ramirez—yes, Riddle—yes, President Rodriguez—yes. Trustees asked administration to strengthen chaperone training and family‑planning guidance for out‑of‑state trips.