FILE:  IFCB-R

FIELD TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS RULES AND REGULATIONS
The following administrative rules have been set for field trips:

1. The principal must be assured that each student's parental permission form for field trips is current and properly on file.
2. At least one professional staff member shall be in charge and responsible for the trip.
3. All students shall be picked up and discharged at a central point determined by the staff member, with the approval of the building principal, prior to the trip.
4. A local contact person shall be designated so that parents may inquire as to possible changes in announced schedules.

5. Parents shall be advised in writing of planned field trips and notices shall contain the following information:

1. purpose of the trip;
2. time of departure and expected return;
3. points of departure and discharge;
4. local contact person and telephone number, to inquire as to changes in announced schedules, if applicable; and

5. other pertinent information regarding meals, cost, etc.

6. The Assistant Superintendent for Instruction shall determine budgetary allotments for field trips. Trips that are to be paid for by anyone other than the district will be subject to approval by the principal. Transportation for such trips is to be arranged by the sponsor, in consultation with the Coordinator of Transportation, through a private, licensed carrier.
7. Transportation for athletic teams or events relating to athletics, music, and performing arts shall be scheduled by direct communication between the Athletic Director and/or the director of Music and the Coordinator of Transportation.
8. All other trips shall be requested in writing, and approved first by the appropriate administrator. "Request for Bus" forms must be used. After approval by the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, the forms shall be forwarded to the Transportation department, at least ten days before the date of the trip. The transportation department shall set the schedule at least one week and one day before the date of the trip.
9. In instances of conflicting assignments, requests shall be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. With the limited number of available buses, it is suggested that plans be submitted well in advance to avoid conflict.
10. In general, school buses are available between 9:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M.
11. Once a trip is approved, cancellations or requests for alternate dates should be routed through the principal's office to the transportation department.
12. Changes of destination and/or date should be handled as original requests.
13. Teachers in charge shall be expected to carry out all aspects of the approved plan without fail. If a teacher does not comply with the established guidelines, future requests for field trips by such a teacher may be denied.

The Benton Harbor Area Schools, Berrien County, Michigan