FILE:  IFCB

FIELD TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS

The Iberville Parish School Board recognizes the value of field trips as a supplement to the classroom learning process.  In keeping with this philosophy, the School Board delegates to the Superintendent the responsibility for development of administrative criteria governing field trips and overnight school sponsored or sanctioned events (e.g., Beta Club Conventions).

Only those field trips which have a direct, appropriate relationship to the instructional program, or which are otherwise related to the school program shall be permitted on school time.  Other trips, such as those involving athletic or band activities, shall be confined as much as practicable to non-school time, except where the school is engaged in an activity, competition, or contest that requires the use of school time.

Teachers planning a field trip should first consult with the principal to determine if the proposed field trip has the appropriate educational value.  If the field trip is in district, the principal may approve and shall notify the appropriate supervisor.  If the field trip is out of the district, an approved Field Trip Form will be forwarded by the principal to the appropriate supervisor for approval.  If the field trip is out of state, the approved Field Trip Approval Form must be submitted to the supervisor then forwarded to the Executive Director of Academics no later than four (4) weeks prior to the date of the planned activity.  The Superintendent shall have the final authority to approve or disapprove the field trip.

Except in extremely rare instances, all transportation of students on field trips or other school sponsored excursions is to be done by school buses (school activity buses or contracted buses, both of which must be driven by drivers with the appropriate CDL license), or commercial bus carriers.  Trips in excess of 100 miles (one way), not including regularly scheduled athletic events, shall be by commercial carrier, unless otherwise approved by the Superintendent prior to the trip.  In those rare instances in which private vehicles are used to transport students, principals are to obtain completed Agreement to Transport Students forms from the volunteer drivers.  Properly licensed adult drivers, at least 21 years of age, must provide a copy of their driver’s license and proof of liability insurance with the minimum limits of at least $25,000 each person/$50,000 each occurrence bodily injury and $25,000 property damage.

Individual schools shall be responsible for the payment of transportation costs for students under the supervision of the school, traveling to and from off-campus field trips or excursions, or to and from off-campus educational activities sponsored by organizations that are considered educational.  It shall be permissible to charge students for transportation costs.

Before any activity or athletic bus shall be used to transport any students anywhere, said vehicle shall be inspected by the principal, assistant principal, bus operator, and sponsor of the trip or activity as to the safety of the vehicle.  If said vehicle is not found by all parties to be completely safe, it shall not be used.  This safety check is to include, at a minimum, tires (including the spare), windshield wipers, lights, brakes, horn, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, safety inspection sticker, and other necessary items.

At least one (1) faculty representative is to accompany children on all field trips.  Further, there is to be at least one (1) other adult chaperon per every twenty (20) children on the field trip.  For example, if twenty (20) children are to attend an activity, one (1) other adult chaperon, in addition to the faculty member, must be provided.  Additional chaperons may be required at the discretion of the principal.  Due to liability insurance constraints, chaperons are not permitted to bring any of their other children along with them on field trips.

Prior to permitting any student to participate in a field trip or other authorized excursion, principals, or their designees, are to obtain written permission from the student's parent or guardian.

If, for some reason, a student is unable to attend a field trip, it shall be the responsibility of the teacher that provisions be made at the school for those students who will not be participating in the field trip.

Overnight trips for school purposes (e.g., state student conventions) shall adhere to all rules stated above.

Principals and the sponsoring faculty member(s) are to strongly impress upon the students the absolute necessity for decorum and good behavior on all field trips since the students are representative of the school at such activities.  Curfews and other guidelines for overnight trips are to be discussed with students prior to departure.

For those students who request, bag lunches shall be arranged in advance with the school food service personnel of the school.  Provisions to prepare bag lunches must be made with the lunchroom manager no later than fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the proposed date of the field trip.

STUDENT EXCURSIONS

Whenever any student trip or excursion utilizes the services of a travel agent or booking agent to provide or arrange for transportation or lodging, the School Board shall require the travel agent or booking agent to provide proof of adequate insurance and present to the School Board a surety bond sufficient to insure recovery of all monetary advances as a result of nonperformance.

The amount of the bond shall be at least equal to any payments made to the travel agent agency or booking agent prior to the date of travel.  In addition, any bond issued shall be from a surety company licensed to do business in Louisiana and approved by the School Board.  A certified check from the travel agency covering the full amount of advanced payment may be accepted by the School Board, but only when a bond is not available.

Additional regulations governing field trips or excursions for students that involve travel or lodging may be maintained by the Superintendent and staff.

The principal of a junior high, middle school, or high school shall be prohibited from approving any field trip or extracurricular activity promoted by any individual, organization, or entity which plans, promotes, or organizes travel arrangements, unless the trip or activity is in accordance with all School Board and staff established criteria, and is covered by proper insurance and an acceptable surety bond.

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:176.1

Board minutes, 9-27-93, 11-8-04, 3-13-17, 2-11-19, 10-9-23

Iberville Parish School Board