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Policy committee clarifies field-trip procedure, proposes IHSA preapproval for competitions
Summary
Administrators presented a clarified administrative procedure for field trips, defining trip types (educational, IHSA competitions, overnight/200+ mile travel), when the superintendent can preapprove trips, funding responsibilities, and a recommendation to preapprove IHSA participation and related trips at the May board meeting to avoid last-minute conflicts.
The policy committee for Hinsdale Township High School District 86 reviewed a revised administrative procedure on field trips on April 15 and recommended including the procedure in the committee report rather than routing it to the full board as formal policy. Staff said the AP clarifies different trip types, approval authority, funding expectations and how the district treats IHSA competitions.
Under the proposed procedure, IHSA participation — which frequently requires overnight travel or trips beyond a 200-mile radius — would be approved as part of the board’s regular IHSA participation motion in May and would include preapproval of associated field trips so teams can meet competitive timelines. The superintendent or principal would retain authority to preapprove trips in extenuating circumstances (for example when a qualifying competition is announced on short notice), with subsequent board ratification when appropriate.
Staff also presented a chart to clarify how field trips are funded (meals, transportation and related expenses) and pointed to existing building-level approval for purely educational trips. Committee members asked that grants or Title-funded trips continue to be handled in coordination with program leads and central staff; staff confirmed those oversight steps are reflected in the AP.
Committee members praised the administrative procedure as documentation of long-standing practice, noting that putting the practice in writing reduces confusion for administrators and ensures continuity if personnel change. The committee agreed to include the AP in the committee report and to thank administration (naming Carrie Smith) for the clarification; the AP will be available on the district website and linked in the committee report.
