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 clear, written protections so district obligations and liability coverage are explicit before final clearance.

During public comment, Kelly Haggerty described parent and staff work to organize the trip and flagged the need for experienced chaperones: “She is the face and contact person of this entire trip,” Haggerty said of a staff member who will not be traveling because of an expected child‑birth. Haggerty and others urged the committee to weigh the importance of having experienced adults in supervisory roles.

Several committee members said they wanted a district employee in charge of the group. "I don't think it's a good protocol to start with" having a non‑district employee be the lead, one committee member said, adding that he would “support the trip” only if a district employee accepted ultimate responsibility.

Superintendent Watson summarized attorney guidance for the committee, saying district employees should be with the students at all times and that judgments regarding student health and safety should rest with district employees. Watson said he would produce a memo that summarizes the attorney guidance into clear responsibilities for the chaperones and staff.

Sue Harrison, who remains involved as a volunteer, addressed liability and insurance: "EF covers the liability... We were all required to buy traveler's insurance, which we already paid for... If something does happen, they have that insurance and that liability. So they pick up the tab," she said, referring to the tour operator's coverage.

After discussion, a committee member moved to approve the trip with the added requirement that the superintendent consult with counsel to document responsibilities and protections. The motion received a second; the committee voted in favor and approved the trip.

Next steps and conditions: The superintendent will consult counsel and distribute a memo setting out (a) which district employees will be responsible for supervision at every segment of the trip, (b) expectations for documentation (background checks, medical forms, emergency contacts) and (c) the role of volunteer or auxiliary chaperones. Committee members said those documents should clarify that district employees — not volunteers — make health and safety decisions while students are on the sanctioned trip.

Votes at this meeting relevant to the trip included the committee’s approval of item 7c (Portugal itinerary) with the counsel‑consultation condition. The committee also approved other, unrelated business (see accompanying “Votes at a glance” article for a full list of motions and outcomes).

Sources: Public comment from Kelly Haggerty; statements by Susan Harrison; remarks by Superintendent Watson; on‑record discussion and final vote during the Feb. 11, 2025 Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School District Committee meeting.

Ending: Committee members said they want written procedures so future international travel follows the same expectations around district supervision and liability coverage.