School Board Discusses Updates to Cumbersome Field Trip Policy

The Portland Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education's Policy Committee convened on August 28, 2025, to discuss significant revisions to the district's field trip policy. The meeting highlighted concerns from school principals regarding the current policy's cumbersome nature, which many believe discourages field trips rather than facilitating them.

Director Wong initiated the discussion by sharing insights from numerous conversations with principals who expressed strong dissatisfaction with the existing policy. He explained that the current guidelines were established in response to a single complaint from a parent, leading to a district-wide mandate that has since created unnecessary administrative burdens. Wong emphasized that issues should ideally be resolved at the local level, rather than imposing a blanket policy across the district.

The proposed changes aim to retain the original intent of the policy—ensuring equitable, accessible, and safe field trip experiences—while allowing for greater flexibility in its implementation. Wong noted that the revised policy would empower school administrators and the risk management department to develop approval processes tailored to specific scenarios, thereby reducing oversight from the central office.

Committee members discussed the importance of a tiered approval process, differentiating between simple field trips and more complex ones, such as overnight excursions. This approach is intended to alleviate the pressure on school administrators, who often bear the brunt of feedback when field trips do not go as planned.

The committee agreed to send the proposed revisions back to staff for further development, emphasizing the need for a clear and streamlined policy that aligns with best practices. The goal is to foster a supportive environment for schools, allowing them to focus on providing enriching experiences for students without excessive bureaucratic hurdles.

As the committee moves forward, the emphasis will be on collaboration with school leaders to ensure that the new policy effectively meets the needs of both students and educators. The next steps will involve refining the proposal and addressing any concerns raised during the meeting, with the aim of presenting a more effective field trip policy in the near future.