Board approves revamped field‑trip form; leaders outline protections for out‑of‑country travel

The board approved the consent agenda, which included overnight and out‑of‑country field‑trip approvals, after trustees discussed a newly revised field‑trip process and form.

Miss McDowell asked specifically about liability and refund policies for the out‑of‑country trips and whether the district has addressed situations such as travel bans and refunds. Dr. Beeson described a committee that revised the form and process and said the new form is electronic and requires itineraries and required signatures. He said the committee included elementary, middle and high principals, assistant superintendents, the director of health services and the director of transportation, and that the district worked with Josh Lusso to script the electronic form.

On insurance and refunds, Dr. Beeson said many tour companies include travel insurance in their contracts. “Most of the out of country already have that included as part of the agreement with the tour company,” he said. Where the tour company does not include insurance, Beeson said schools will offer travel‑insurance as an option for participants rather than make it mandatory. He added the committee considered contingencies for events that could occur two years out (many trips are planned about two years in advance) and said the district aims to ensure participants can recover funds if a travel ban occurs — typically with the exception of a non‑refundable fee (he cited an example of “probably minus $50 that non refundable $50”).

Board action: The board approved the consent agenda including field‑trip items unanimously. Administration said the new form should increase clarity and the district will continue to communicate insurance and refund options to trip participants.