We are finding schools that have changed their rules dealing with out-of-state trips and the use of school equipment on those trips. Make sure you understand your school district’s rules dealing with out-of-state trips.

Many school districts have not changed anything; many do not allow out-of-state trips and never have. We have found two school districts that changed their rules and the teachers found out about the rule change after the trip. Those two schools have taken the stand that it is the teacher’s responsibility to know the rules. It is not, nor has it ever been, the Association’s intent to try and tell its members what they should and should not do. We just want to make each member aware of possible pitfalls.

When preparing for these trips, make sure your administration knows how you are going, what equipment you will be using and how the trip will be funded. Then if there is a problem, you are not in the boat alone, that administrator by their approval is in it with you.