Printable Version

609 FIELD TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS, OUT OF TOWN ATHLETIC EVENTS AND EXTRA CURRICULARS

Revised: March 10, 2004 A. Purpose Field trips or excursions have long been a part of the educational program of the schools. The board approves the continuation of such trips under regulations established by the superintendent and reported to the board. The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for student trips and to identify the general process to be followed for review and approval of trip requests. B. General Statement of Policy It is the general expectation of the school board that all student trips will be well planned, conducted in an orderly manner and safe environment, and will relate directly to the objectives of the class or activity for which the trip is requested. Student trips will be categorized within three general areas: 1. Instructional Trips: Trips that take place during the school day, relate directly to a course of study, and require student participation shall fall in this category. These trips shall be subject to review and approval of the building principal, and shall be financed by school district funds within the constraints of the school building budget. Fees may not be assessed against students to defray direct costs of instructional trips. (Minn. Stat. § 123B.37, Prohibited Fees) 2. Supplementary Trips: This category pertains to those trips in which students voluntarily participate and which usually take place outside the regular school day. Examples of trips in this category involve student activities, clubs, and other special interest groups. These trips are subject to review and approval of the activities director and/or the building principal. Financial contributions by students may be requested. (Minn. Stat. § 123B.36, Authorized Fees) 3. Extended Trips: a. Trips that involve one or more overnight stops fall into this category. Extended trips may be instructional or supplementary, and must be requested well in advance of the planned activity. All extended trips must have advanced school board approval. Exceptions to the approval policy may be granted or expedited to accommodate emergencies or contingencies (e.g. tournament competition). b. The school board acknowledges and supports the efforts of booster clubs and similar organizations in providing extended trip opportunities for students. C. Motel Expenses 1. One night motel room expense per athletic or academic team competition, per season will be paid with board approval. Additional nights are to be paid for by participants, bus drivers, advisors, and/or coaches. 2. Approval for the cost of motel rooms for all other trips are to be decided by the school board on a case by case basis. However, the board will not be responsible for more than 50% of such expense. 3. Exceptions to this policy can be made by the school board for requests covering post season tournament athletic or academic competition. D. Regulations 1. Rules of conduct and discipline for students and employees shall apply to all student trip activity. 2. The school administration shall be responsible for providing more detailed procedures, including parental involvement, supervision, and such other factors deemed important and in the best interest of students. 3. Transportation shall be furnished through a commercial carrier or school-owned vehicle. In the event a private vehicle is approved for use, a certificate of insurance must be on file in the school district office.

Back