Board conditionally approves Stratford High dance team trip to UDA nationals

The Stratford Board of Education voted unanimously to approve an out-of-state overnight trip for 12 Stratford High School dance-team members to the UDA National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Florida, contingent on administrative verification.

Board members and the curriculum committee raised concerns about the timing of the request and incomplete paperwork. Board member Miss Corrigan said the trip planning began in the prior fall but the application arrived late; she requested proof of background checks and an updated application. “I have significant concerns,” she said, calling for an updated application with identified chaperones and Raptor background-check confirmation.

The motion that passed required the superintendent to verify by a specified deadline that all required, updated forms, background checks, chaperone identifications and an updated waiver (including labor/uniform liability provisions) had been provided. The motion also directed that the adults involved be spoken to and reprimanded for procedural lapses and that a staff-wide notice be issued reminding administrators of the overnight-trip policy and procedures.

Administrators said the team had already done substantial fundraising and that the competition will be live-streamed; the trip includes coach(es), nine parent volunteers and potential visits to local attractions while in Orlando. The board approved the trip on the condition that the superintendent provide updated documentation by the stated deadline.