2320 Field Trips, Excursions, and Outdoor Education

The Franklin Pierce School Board recognizes that field trips, when used as a device for teaching and learning integral to the curriculum, are an educationally sound and important ingredient in the instructional program of the schools. Such trips can supplement and enrich classroom activities by providing learning experiences in an environment beyond the classroom. Each request will be evaluated on tort liability, cost, and educational benefit. The availability of field trip opportunities for students is commensurate with the funds which can be allocated to support such a program.

Overnight and/or out-of-state field trips must be approved in advance by the school board. Outdoor education resident school plans will be presented to the board for approval. The superintendent or their designee has the authority to approve all other field trips.

Each student enrolled in a class or course shall have an equal opportunity to participate in field trips that are taken by that student group. Although most field trip expenses will be met through the district budget, the ASB or fund-raising projects may also be used. The district will strive to offer field trip experiences with a minimum of expense to individual students. Although students may be requested to pay part or all of the cost of a field trip, no student will be denied the opportunity to participate for lack of personal funds.

The superintendent will develop procedures for the operation of a field trip or an outdoor education activity which will ensure that the safety of the student will be protected and that parent permission is obtained before the student leaves the school. Each field trip must be integrated with the curriculum and coordinated with classroom activities that enhance its usefulness. Private vehicles may be used to transport students if approval is obtained in advance from the principal.

Legal References
RCW 28A.330.100(5) Additional powers of board
RCW 67.20.020 Contracts for cooperation

WAC 181-87-090 Improper remunerative conduct

cross references
Policy 3520: Student Fees, Fines or Charges

Policy 6625: Private Vehicle Transportation

Adoption Date: 6/24/86
Franklin Pierce Schools
Revised: 8/27/91; 9/9/08; 5/5/26
Classification: Important