CE King journalism students proposed to travel to Baja California; district outlines safety and insurance

CE King High School staff asked the Sheldon ISD Board to consider a student journalism trip to Laredo, Baja California, Mexico, proposed for March 15–19 during spring break and limited to 13 students with a sponsor and an administrator chaperone.

Presenter materials described Explorica as the tour operator and listed included services: round‑trip airfare, lodging at the hotel named in materials, private coach and driver, a full‑time tour guide dedicated to the CE King group, and three daily meals. The presenter said the company offers a travel‑protection plan (presented as $12 per day) and that medical expenses and certain emergency services are covered under the plan; an emergency 24/7 contact line is available. The presentation also noted a liability/insurance policy carried by the operator; the presenter cited a policy limit shown in the materials and said school officials do not assume operator liability while students are abroad.

The board discussed parent notifications and passport logistics; the presenter said some students are securing passports for the first time. The presenter scheduled a parent information meeting for Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. if the board approves the trip and said the students who participate raised funds through campus photography services and senior picture sales to cover trip costs.

There was no formal board vote on the trip during the meeting; the presenter asked the board to place approval on a future agenda so parents can be notified and the required documentation and parent meeting can be scheduled.