The principal with approval of the superintendent may authorize field trips and excursions when such events contribute to the achievement of education goals of the school district.  The school district will provide school owned motor vehicle transportation for field trips and excursions.

In authorizing field trips and excursions, the principal shall consider the financial condition of the school district, the educational benefit of the activity, the inherent risks or dangers of the activity, and other factors deemed relevant by the superintendent.  Written parental permission will be required prior to the student's participation in field trips and excursions.  Board approval will be required for field trips and excursions, which involve unusual length or expense, are outside the state, or require an overnight stay.

On Overnight trips that are of an extra-curricular nature and/or where the students is participating in a contest against other schools or for a rating, the lodging and expenses for students shall be the collective responsibility of the sponsoring student organization.  The district will pay lodging and expenses for the contracted teacher sponsors.  Other chaperones or parents accompanying them shall be the collective responsibility of the sponsoring student organization or those individuals.  No district funds shall be expended for overnight travel if the destination is within 90 miles radius of the school or if the activity is completed so that the students can arrive back at the school by 12 midnight.

Field trips and excursions are to be arranged with the principal well in advance.  A detailed schedule and budget must be submitted by the employee to the superintendent and activity director.  The school district will be responsible for obtaining a substitute teacher if one is needed.  Following field trips and excursions, the teacher may be required to submit a written summary of the event.

 Legal Reference:    390 C.F.R. Pt. 390.3(f) (1993).      

                                Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

                                281 I.A.C. 43.9.

Cross Reference:    503.01  Student Conduct

                                503.04  Good Conduct Rule

                                603    Instructional Curriculum

                                711    Transportation

Approved 10/20/11     Reviewed   7-13-2022             Revised