Jordan School District is looking at tightening clamps on school groups that travel outside the continental United States — and relieving itself of liability when trips are canceled.

The proposed policy, unveiled to the Board of Education in a Tuesday study session, follows issues that have arisen in Salt Lake City School District, where the school board this spring canceled a student trip to Asia because of the SARS threat. Parents in the district have asked the board to help in their struggle to be compensated for pre-purchased tickets.

The proposed policy generally would not allow student travel outside the continental United States but also leaves room for undefined exceptions, which the principal of the school requesting the trip could argue for at the district level. Board members discussed the probability of foreign travel by students in Hillcrest High School's budding International Baccalaureate program.

Trips outside the continental United States are relatively rare, but some have been approved to Hawaii and to Vancouver, B.C., for educational purposes or performances.

The proposal also tells travelers not to expect refunds for trip cancellations, either individually or as a group.

"When, in the sole judgment of the administration or the Board of Education, in consultation with the school and the participating students and patrons, travel is suspended due to safety or other considerations beyond the control of any or all involved, the Jordan School District, the board, school employees and its agents shall have no obligation and shall be held harmless with respect to refund of any expenditures," the proposal states.

The school would have to make that rule known to parents, who would have to sign a statement that they understand it, the proposal states.

Some board members like the proposal's flexibility to approve such travel in rare circumstances. But board member Ralph Haws preferred banning travel outside the continental United States except for those required under the International Baccalaureate program.

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"Isn't it a little incongruent that we're to focus on core curriculum and then say, 'Let's fly to Puerto Rico?' " Haws said. "In light of increased terrorism, this board would actually say, 'Yes, you can travel outside the United States?' "

Board member Jane Callister, however, doubted the nation would always remain on heightened terror alert.

Superintendent Barry Newbold believes the policy flexibility comes down to one thing: the board's courage to deny a travel request, especially when parents want it badly enough.


E-mail: jtcook@desnews.com

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