Englewood board tables proposed China performing-arts trip amid liability and equity questions

The Englewood Public School District superintendent told the board the Center for Bridging Cultures (CBC) had offered a two-week performing-arts summer program in China for selected students, and that the district’s role would be limited to selecting chaperones and helping with parent information. Superintendent Dr. Hazelton said the program is “nearly a fully funded trip” and that the only immediate family cost for participants would be a $199 administrative booking fee; that fee would increase to $499 after Feb. 15.

Board members asked detailed questions about selection criteria for the 30 available slots, whether chaperones would be district employees, how the district would handle passports and visas, and whether families without sufficient funds could be supported. Trustees also asked the superintendent to provide written legal advice and confirmation from the district’s insurance broker that the trip would not expose the district to unacceptable liability. Dr. Hazelton said she had consulted the board president, the district’s general counsel and the insurance broker (Polaris), and that some community sponsors had already offered to underwrite spots for students in need.

Several trustees expressed support for the opportunity but said they could not approve the item at the meeting without formal documentation. One trustee asked for the total district cost for chaperones and staff time; the superintendent said chaperones who are not 12‑month employees would be offered a $150 per‑day stipend for the duration of the trip and that the district was still finalizing whether it would cover those stipends. She also described plans for informational sessions with parents and for translated materials.

After discussion, a motion to table five consent items — including the CBC China trip — was moved (first by Miss Haber, seconded by Mr. Flores) and approved on a 5–4 roll-call vote. The trustees voting to table were Mr. Flores, Miss Haber, Miss Ross, Miss Wiggins and Mr. Matthews; trustees voting against tabling were Miss Banks Watson, Mr. Feinstein, Miss Matoss and Miss Rivera. The motion suspends board consideration of the trip until the board receives the additional legal, insurance, cost and selection information requested by trustees.

What happens next: Superintendent Dr. Hazelton said she will request written guidance from counsel and the insurance carrier, provide a clear cost breakdown for any district expenses (including chaperone stipends), and brief the board and the public before any vote is reconsidered. The Feb. 15 CBC administrative‑fee deadline was cited during discussion; trustees noted that families with limited means may need more time or sponsorship options to meet that deadline.