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Board denies high school softball trip amid chaperone, transportation and cost concerns
Summary
After extended debate about background checks for chaperones, a change from bus transportation to parents’ cars, and possible student fees for hotels and food, the Trousdale County Board voted 3–2 to deny a proposed out-of-state high school softball trip.
The Trousdale County Board of Education voted 3–2 to deny a proposed high school softball trip after members raised concerns about chaperone background checks, a change in transportation from a school bus to parents’ personal vehicles, and potential student costs such as hotel and food.
Board discussion centered on whether the paperwork listing “8 plus sets of parents” reflected actual volunteers who had passed the district’s background checks. One board member argued the form as submitted would be scrutinized if there was a legal complaint: "When attorney get involved, they are going to every word that you've got. And this is the people piece of paper that has been submitted to the board," (Unidentified Speaker 2). Members also noted the trip had been approved in November under the assumption students would travel by school bus; the change in mode of transportation required the board to reconsider the request.
Coach Link and Principal McCall explained fundraising efforts and that some fundraising proceeds had been allocated to facilities. Principal McCall said the coach had raised several thousand dollars but that the final costs would depend on the number of participating students and parents. Board members who supported denial cited the need for named chaperones with background checks and clearer information about who would be supervising students and who would pay hotel fees.
A motion to deny the trip was made, seconded and carried by a 3–2 vote. Members who voted to deny cited uncertainty about supervision and liability, the lack of confirmed background-checked chaperones, and the imposition of out-of-pocket costs on some families. Members who opposed the denial said the trip was an opportunity for students and that the coach and principal had worked to fundraise and support athletics.
The board asked staff to consider whether additional documentation or a resubmission could address the concerns if the school sought to bring the matter back for approval. The minutes record the motion to deny and the 3–2 vote; there was no immediate alternative action taken to replace or reschedule the trip.
