Laconia School Board approves out‑of‑state senior class trip after policy questions

The Laconia School Board voted 7–0 on Feb. 18 to approve an overnight out‑of‑state senior class trip after trustees discussed supervision, sign‑ups and district notification rules.

Chad, a board member who introduced the packet item, said the senior trip had reached a minimum number of students and that leaders were still recruiting more participants. Presenter (a district staff member) confirmed the senior class trip would have adult chaperones assigned to cabins and that, for the UNH program trip separately discussed, the cost would be covered by the UNH program. "It's all part of the UNH," the presenter said.

Board members questioned whether the district had followed policy IJOA, which the presenter cited as requiring the board to be notified 30 days before an overnight or out‑of‑state trip and which also bars holding fundraising events before notification in some cases. One trustee asked whether fundraising already underway could cause a timing conflict with the policy; the presenter said the district’s practices and the policy may need alignment and suggested referring the matter to the policy committee for review.

After questions about supervision and whether parents or staff would serve as chaperones, the board moved to action. Presenter (speaker 2) made the motion to approve the overnight field trip; the chair seconded. The motion carried on a recorded voice vote of 7–0.

The board did not record additional conditions on the approval in the meeting transcript. Trustees indicated they expect future trip planning to follow policy timelines or to be adjusted by the policy committee so that fundraising and notification timelines are consistent with district rules.

The board adjourned at about 8:23 p.m.