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Families say EF Tours trip used district resources and exposed student data; board said attorneys are reviewing
Summary
Parents and travelers told the Westerville City Schools board that an EF Tours trip to Japan was oversold, used district communications and staff time for marketing, and involved unauthorized handling of student passport photos; the district said attorneys are investigating potential policy and data‑privacy violations
Several families told the Westerville City Schools Board of Education on May 5 they believe a district‑connected EF Tours trip violated student‑data and district policies and that communication and refund requests have not been resolved.
Tara Stockdale told the board she and other families were sold a trip that initially was marketed as having 15 travelers but later grew to 85. She said sales were run through a multilevel compensation structure and that teachers received bonuses and travel rewards. Stockdale said the group discovered “unauthorized photographing of our minor children's passports on a Westerville teacher's unsecured cell phone,” and she asked the board to examine the district’s relationship with EF Tours.
Nut graf: Speakers described possible violations of student privacy laws and of the district’s own field‑trip and communications policies. The board told speakers today that its attorneys are looking into the concerns, but families at the meeting asked for clearer answers and for the district to help secure refunds where participants believe they were misled.
Stockdale said she first raised the issue with district administrators on April 17 and again on April 21 and had since received limited information. She said families believe the trip’s marketing and the teacher‑led sales process used district resources, including district email lists and meetings, and that the sales practices raise ethical concerns.
Another traveler, Richie Harris, described feeling pressured to sign up for a “limited space” trip and said that after learning more about the size and handling of personal data he no longer felt comfortable participating and had sought a full refund. He asked the district to advocate for families to secure refunds from EF Tours.
District staff told attendees at the end of public comment that Mr. Reeves had contacted the speakers and that the district’s attorneys were reviewing the potential violations. Commenters said they appreciated that acknowledgement but said they wanted more transparent follow‑up and assistance.
Ending: The board did not announce a timetable for resolution. Families requested prompt assistance and clear answers about whether district policies on field trips, staff use of district resources, and student‑data handling were violated and what remedies would follow.
