FILE: IFCB
Cf: EDAE
FIELD TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS
The Orleans Parish School Board recognizes that educational field trips and excursions for instructional purposes help provide desirable learning experiences. The Superintendent has the responsibility for the development of administrative criteria governing field trips and excursions. Only those field trips, however, that grow out of the instructional program or are otherwise related to the program and offer equitable opportunities for participation of students with disabilities are to be permitted on school time. Other trips such as those involving band and athletic activities should be confined to non-school time, except where the school is engaged in competition or a contest that requires use of school time.
Teachers planning on conducting out-of-parish field trips or learning experiences shall submit, through the principal, an application in writing to the Superintendent or his/her designee for approval at least two (2) weeks prior to the field trip. Before any trip or excursion is taken, written parental permission shall be secured for every student planning to take the trip. Students who have not submitted signed parental permission forms shall not be allowed to make the trip. In-town field trips shall require a 1:25 student-teacher ratio and 1:10 student-teacher ratio for out of town field trips. Volunteers shall complete approved screening by the Orleans Parish School Board prior to inclusion on an approved field trip or excursion.
Before approval of any field trip is given, it shall be determined whether the trip is covered by the School Board's liability insurance. No travel shall be authorized where coverage cannot be secured prior to the trip commencing. Except in extreme cases approved by the principal of the school, private vehicles shall not be used for transporting children on field trips. Only buses contracted to the school district, and driven by certified drivers shall be permitted, except as noted above.
The School Board does not endorse the use of private vehicles to transport students to and/or from interscholastic activities.
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.
PARTICIPATION IN SPECIAL EVENTS
It shall be the policy of the Orleans Parish School Board that school sponsored groups be allowed to participate in special events (Mardi Gras parades, other parades, festivals, etc.) with the recommendation of the school’s site based administrator and the approvals as indicated on the Special Events Request Form.
INCLUSION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Field trips or other excursions and activities shall be conducted in such a manner as is necessary to afford students with disabilities an equal opportunity for participation, including transportation for the trip. Consideration shall also be given to accommodations for persons with disabilities at each destination being utilized while on the field trip. Accessibility of all students shall be paramount in the planning of any field trip or excursions.
Participation
Notification shall be provided to the parents of all students, including students with disabilities, who are eligible to participate in a field trip or excursion. Notification shall be provided in a non-discriminatory manner.
An evaluation as to the participation of a student with a disability on any field trip or excursion sponsored or sanctioned by the School Board shall be prepared prior to all field trips or excursions. Adequate planning for the field trip or excursion shall include appropriate personnel with knowledge of the student, including the student’s IEP team to determine the supplementary aids and services that are appropriate and necessary for the student to participate in the field trip or excursion.
Inclusion or exclusion of a student with a disability shall be made on an individualized, case-by-case basis. Decisions regarding exclusion of a student with a disability from a field trip shall be made in conformance with applicable state and federal regulation and be consistent with the student’s IEP plan, with appropriate documentation of such decisions maintained by the School Board.
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:176.1
Official Handbook, Louisiana High School Athletic Association
Orleans Parish School Board