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Log inBoard discusses class trips, access laws
Board discusses class trips, access laws
by Outspoken on Fri Nov 07, 2008 5:22 am
Board discusses class trips, access laws
BY LARRY GRARD
Staff Writer Morning Sentinal
BENTON -- Wary of litigation, School Administrative District 49 directors on Thursday night discussed what might -- and what might not be -- a school-sponsored foreign trip.
Basically, it boiled down to one question: Is it a school-sponsored venture if the trip is organized by a teacher, without the blessing of the school district? The SAD 49 policy committee will decide.
"I think it should go for a major discussion to the policy committee," said Steven Grenier of Albion.
Karen Kusik of Fairfield agreed, and board consensus ensued.
Superintendent Dean Baker prompted the discussion.
"It's an area of potential liability for any school district, especially in light of the litigious atmosphere of today," Baker said. Baker later said that such discussion might reduce the potential for a lawsuit.
Kusik and others supported student trips to foreign countries.
"One trip was coordinated at a teacher's home," she said. "I would not have considered it a school trip."
Leanne Stevens of Fairfield disagreed.
"I think if you have teachers taking students on a trip, it's a school trip," Stevens said.
"I take issue with that," said Clayton McLaughlin of Benton. "I don't think that we should be taking responsibility for that."
Marie Strout of Clinton and Lisa Irving of Fairfield both said that if a trip is organized and approved by the school, it is a school trip.
Stevens, however, used student behavior off school grounds as an example for her viewpoint. Students have been punished in the past for behavior off school grounds, she said.
"It's a matter of consistency," Stevens said.
http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/5582876.html
BY LARRY GRARD
Staff Writer Morning Sentinal
BENTON -- Wary of litigation, School Administrative District 49 directors on Thursday night discussed what might -- and what might not be -- a school-sponsored foreign trip.
Basically, it boiled down to one question: Is it a school-sponsored venture if the trip is organized by a teacher, without the blessing of the school district? The SAD 49 policy committee will decide.
"I think it should go for a major discussion to the policy committee," said Steven Grenier of Albion.
Karen Kusik of Fairfield agreed, and board consensus ensued.
Superintendent Dean Baker prompted the discussion.
"It's an area of potential liability for any school district, especially in light of the litigious atmosphere of today," Baker said. Baker later said that such discussion might reduce the potential for a lawsuit.
Kusik and others supported student trips to foreign countries.
"One trip was coordinated at a teacher's home," she said. "I would not have considered it a school trip."
Leanne Stevens of Fairfield disagreed.
"I think if you have teachers taking students on a trip, it's a school trip," Stevens said.
"I take issue with that," said Clayton McLaughlin of Benton. "I don't think that we should be taking responsibility for that."
Marie Strout of Clinton and Lisa Irving of Fairfield both said that if a trip is organized and approved by the school, it is a school trip.
Stevens, however, used student behavior off school grounds as an example for her viewpoint. Students have been punished in the past for behavior off school grounds, she said.
"It's a matter of consistency," Stevens said.
http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/5582876.html
"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."
Plato (427-347 BC)
Plato (427-347 BC)
