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Parent urges Martinez Unified to equalize overnight field trips and address alleged racial incident
Summary
A parent told trustees about unequal access to overnight field trips and alleged a racial slur was used against a student on a prior trip; she asked about district oversight of chaperones and adult‑student ratios. Board staff asked the speaker to complete a follow‑up form.
A Martinez Unified parent at the Sept. 8 board meeting urged the district to ensure equitable access to overnight field trips and raised a safety and equity concern after recounting an allegation involving a racial slur on a previous trip.
“My name is Megan. I have a daughter at John Mir Elementary,” the speaker said, asking whether the district could help ensure that all students have the same opportunities to attend overnight trips and what role the district plays when fundraising or PTA support determines whether a site can offer the experience.
Megan also recounted a troubling account from a parent meeting in which their son — while on a John Sweat overnight trip — was allegedly harassed and “the n‑word was used,” she said. She asked how chaperones are selected, whether the district oversees adult‑to‑student ratios on overnight trips, and what supports exist if incidents occur.
Board practice and response: after the comment the board clerk asked Megan to complete a speaker form so staff could follow up. The board did not take action at the meeting; trustees and staff said they would use the form to pursue details and appropriate follow‑up with site administrators.
Why it matters: parents raised equity and student safety concerns that can affect field trip policies, chaperone screening and district oversight. The parent framed the request as both a concern for one reported incident and a question about district responsibility when enrichment opportunities are funded unevenly across sites.
(Reporting based on the public‑comment remarks at the Sept. 8 board meeting.)
