School committee approves Portugal trip after discussion of chaperone leadership and liability

The Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School District Committee on Feb. 11 approved an out‑of‑state trip to Portugal for 18 students after members sought assurances about who would be responsible for student supervision and how liability would be handled.

Supporters said two district staff members, Kelly Haggerty and a staff member referred to as Dave, will assume leadership roles on the trip while Susan ("Sue") Harrison, a former district employee now employed at Old Rochester, would serve as an auxiliary chaperone. The committee attached a condition that the superintendent confer with the district’s counsel and that written expectations clarify which district employees must supervise students at all times.

Why it matters: Committee members and school leaders said the trip is time‑sensitive for families who have already paid or fundraised, and that replacing experienced chaperones at short notice could jeopardize the itinerary. At the same time, members pressed for…