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Committee debates athletics transportation policy and liability; asks staff for edited language
Summary
Committee members reviewed the emergency athletics transportation policy (07/12), raised legal and liability concerns about school‑organized transportation, parent carpools and designated‑volunteer requirements, and asked district staff and legal counsel to return with simpler, clearer language distinguishing practices from competitions.
The communications and policy committee devoted substantial time May 11 to a review of the emergency athletics‑transportation policy (07/12), focusing on liability and operational practice as the district expands off‑site practices and joint arrangements with neighboring schools.
Several members, including district counsel and administrators, warned that expanding district coordination for practice transportation increases exposure to secondary liability because practices are school‑sponsored events. One committee member recommended a simpler approach: limit district coordination to time, place and manner for practices and focus district transportation resources on competitions when buses are more commonly provided.
Karen Fisher Anderson and other members noted the practical burdens of requiring parents to become designated volunteers (fingerprinting and clearance) and cited sample language from the New Hampshire School Board Association that asks for insurance certificates naming the district as an additional insured with a stated combined single limit. "In an attempt to do the right thing and establish some guidance, we've stepped into more liability," one member said, urging caution.
The committee discussed contingency planning when buses or drivers are unavailable and asked staff to consult with legal counsel to remove or rework language that could mistakenly suggest the district "assumes no liability" in all circumstances. Members indicated they would prefer clear handbook messaging that practices are primarily the responsibility of families, while the district will prioritize transportation for competitions and look for contingency solutions where possible.
No motion was required; staff were asked to return with revised policy language and legal guidance before the committee takes further action.
