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Parent presses Taconic Hills board on new field‑trip waiver language
Summary
A parent asked the board to clarify new permission‑slip wording that mentions 'claims and actions,' expressing concern it could limit parents' ability to hold the district responsible; board members said the language is 'permitted by law' and likely came from NISBA/insurer and pledged to investigate.
During the public comment portion of the meeting a parent, Leticia, questioned newly updated field‑trip permission slips that include language listing liabilities, losses and — she said — a clause referencing 'claims and actions.' She said the wording appeared to waive parents’ ability to seek redress if a child were harmed while on a third‑party trip and asked for clarification.
"It’s basically saying that we’re waving the rights on if God forbid something happened to our kid, we can’t hold you guys responsible," Leticia said, asking the board to explain the legal scope of that language.
Board members responded that the clause is limited to what is "permitted by law" and said the wording likely came from NISBA (the New York State School Boards Association) or the district’s insurance provider. One board member said similar language had been recommended to districts by outside advisers and that it is not a unilateral change devised locally.
District officials agreed to research the origin and legal effect of the specific waiver language and to follow up with the parent. The board noted that permission‑slip wording is commonly standardized by boards’ legal counsel and insurers, but acknowledged parents’ concerns about clarity and scope.
Why it matters Permission‑slip and waiver language defines legal relationships among parents, school districts and third‑party vendors on off‑campus activities. Parents who believe language is unclear or overly broad may seek written clarification or policy revisions; the board’s pledge to research the source could lead to a future agenda or explanatory communication to families.
What’s next Board members said they would contact NISBA or their insurer to confirm why the language changed and whether it reflects statutory limits. The parent requested that the district provide the contact information and rationale; the board agreed to return with findings at a later date or through staff communication to families.
