Board approves journalism student trip to Minneapolis despite expressed safety concerns

The CHSD 99 Board of Education approved a proposed journalism student trip to Minneapolis for a multi-day convention in April after administration presented the itinerary and board members raised safety questions.

Gina, who presented the trip, said the excursion is “located in Minneapolis, Minnesota for several days in April” and that the convention location is set by the National High School Journalism organization. She told the board the administration retains the authority to “adjust, postpone, cancel the tour if we believe the safety, security, or welfare of our students and our staff are an issue.”

Board members acknowledged the educational value of such trips but publicly voiced reservations about Minneapolis given recent local incidents. One board member said they had “reservation about sending our students, particularly journalism students, to that area,” while another asked whether trip insurance had been included; Gina responded that trip insurance was not built into the proposal and that refund policies vary by airline and hotel.

A motion to approve the trip passed on a roll-call vote recorded as unanimous. Administration said it will continue to monitor safety conditions and notify the board if circumstances change; the board retains authority to cancel or postpone the trip if it becomes unsafe.

The board’s action allowed the teacher-led journalism trip to proceed as presented, with the caveat that administration will reassess and can cancel or postpone if required for student safety.