East Haven School District reviews field-trip rules, clarifies vehicle liability and adult‑to‑student ratios

The East Haven School District policy team proposed updates to the district's field-trip policy on Oct. 27, recommending new adult-to-student supervision ratios, reaffirming a prohibition on privately owned vehicles for student transport except in bona fide emergencies, and adjusting liability language for staff and parents.

The changes were discussed during the district's policy workshop, where staff said the ratios are recommendations rather than mandatory rules and that each field-trip request will be reviewed for context and supervision needs. Policy team staff said the draft retains a strict ban on using privately owned vehicles or leased vans to transport students except when an emergency makes other options impossible, and that the field-trip leader may determine the emergency if the superintendent or principal is unavailable.

Board members stressed concerns about liability and operational flexibility. Board member A, an East Haven School District board member, said the policy should allow parents to follow a bus or arrive separately but not transport students: "Only needs 3 adults and a parent is welcome to join," and later emphasized keeping the student-transport prohibition. Policy team staff said the current draft states that privately owned vehicles are "strictly prohibited" except in bona fide emergencies and explained the emergency-determination provision. Another board member (Board member B) argued against allowing student transport in private vehicles: "I don't I don't think it's a good idea at all. No. I think it opens us up to liability."

On supervision ratios, policy staff described the draft as a recommended modification rather than a mandate. The draft includes sample ratios (as presented in the workshop): for grades 6 to 8, one adult to 12 students; for grades 9 to 12, the draft lists both 1:12 and 1:16 options discussed in the meeting. Policy staff said the office that handles trip approvals, the Office of Curriculum and Instruction (OCI), will follow up with teachers when a proposed ratio appears to require more staff than justified by the trip's nature.

Staff also noted routine procedural matters to remain in the policy: permission forms, preparation of medication in advance, and distinct approval levels for in-district trips, out-of-state trips and out-of-country travel. Policy team staff said those travel categories are retained so the district has rules ready should international travel requests arise in the future.

No formal motion or vote was recorded during the workshop. Staff said they will review and may revise the draft language on liability'specifically removing a phrase that made the district's wording read as if a parent or staff member who used a private vehicle would be liable for a student's injury in the vehicle; the revised phrasing discussed in the meeting would state that "staff, parents and guardians who use their own vehicles risk being legally liable for any injuries sustained while in the vehicle," removing wording that suggested students could be drivers.

Policy staff said they will consult with OCI (including staff members named Lisa and Adam mentioned during discussion) and follow up with board members before returning a revised draft. The workshop concluded with the board moving on to wrap up the policy session and recognize board appreciation month; the field-trip policy draft will be revised and brought back for further review.