Board hears concerns about field trips and care for students who need medical or restroom assistance

A Jefferson County Board member raised concerns about how the district manages students who require medical assistance or help in restrooms during off-site field trips, citing parents’ experiences and asking for clearer policy guidance.

Board member (name not specified in transcript) read sections of a physician-ordered G-tube care form used by the district and asked how staff handle situations when a parent cannot accompany a student on a trip. The board member said a parent had reported their child faced teasing after a trip in which the parent assisted with personal care in a public restroom.

School administrators responded that field trips are an extension of the school day and that the district attempts to provide appropriate accommodations. Dr. Arnold said the district typically assigns at least one school faculty or staff member (often a trained attendant or instructional assistant) to accompany students with specialized needs and that principals are instructed not to place an unvetted volunteer in sole charge of a special-needs child. He said parents may be invited to accompany their child but that attendance cannot be conditioned on a parent’s presence.

Why it matters: Special-education students who require medical care or assistance with daily routines need predictable accommodations off campus as well as at school. The board discussion showed parents and board members want clearer written guidance on field-trip staffing, restroom logistics and when the district will provide trained attendants or nurses.

Administrators said they will research applicable policies and clarify procedures for field trips, chaperone roles and restroom assistance for students with medical needs. No formal policy change was adopted at the work session.

Ending: Staff will follow up with principals and bring clarifying guidance or policy recommendations to the board in a future meeting.