FILE:  IFCB

Cf:  EDAE

 

FIELD TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS

 

 

The Richland 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 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.  Before any trip or excursion is taken, the principal has the responsibility of assigning appropriate professional personnel to accompany the students for the purpose of adequate supervision.  A written request should be given to the principal for approval at least one (1) week in advance.  Written parental permission forms shall be secured for each student who plans to take the trip.

 

The number and length of trips should be left up to the discretion of the principal.  However, no more than two (2) trips by a specific class, grade or teacher are to be taken during the school year, except with special permission from the Superintendent.  An interval of six (6) weeks should elapse between trips.  In case of absences due to school related activities, it becomes the responsibility of the student to make up all necessary work.

 

Before approval of any field trip is given, it shall be determined whether the trip is covered by the Board's liability insurance.  Only buses, owned by or contracted to the school district, and driven by certified drivers shall be permitted.

 

The Board does not endorse the use of private vehicles to transport students to and/or from school sponsored activities.  However, it recognizes the need for additional transportation at certain times; and the use of private vehicles may be utilized for the transportation of students to school sponsored activities provided that the vehicles shall have a minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance and are driven by properly licensed adults as verified by the principal and approved by the Superintendent.

 

LITERARY RALLY AND SPECIAL CONFERENCE

 

Prior approval shall be requested for authorization of travel for students to attend literary rallies, special conferences and other school related trips if the School Board is to reimburse the cost for travel.  School or Parish owned buses shall be used when possible for transportation.  Lodging and meals shall be the responsibility of the individual student or school.  Fees and travel cost will be borne by the School Board for district literary rallies for all contestants nominated by the school faculties.  Fees and travel cost to the state literary rally will be paid only on district winners.

 

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 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 Board.  A certified check from the travel agency covering the full amount of advanced payment may be accepted by the 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 Board and staff established criteria, and is covered by proper insurance and an acceptable surety bond.

 

PARENTAL PERMISSION

 

  1. All students will return to school with the group they went with except by special permission granted prior to the beginning of the trip to return with parent or guardian.
     

  2. Chaperone or sponsor will be responsible for maintaining records.

 

NON-PARTICIPATION OF STUDENTS WITH OUTSTANDING SCHOOL DEBTS

 

Any student in grades K-12 who owes money for lost or stolen textbooks, school meals, club fees, sport fees, or vandalism shall not be allowed to participate in graduation exercises, or co-curriculum or extracurricular activities, including field trips, until the debt is paid in full, unless granted an exception by the school principal.

 

Revised:  December 12, 2004

Revised:  May 8, 2007

 

 

Ref:     La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ยงยง17:81, 17:176.1

Board minutes, 12-12-04, 5-8-07

 

Richland Parish School Board