Some school boards "banned" overseas trips in the light of U.S. military action in Iraq. However, many of these same school boards have since lifted the ban, or will consider doing so between now and the beginning of the next academic school year.

If you were one of the group organizers affected by the travel ban, or if you are seeking permission to organize an overseas trip for 2008, there are some important things to keep in mind before talking to your school principal, or to the school board.

Here they are, in numerical order:

1. SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS ARE GOOD GUYS, NOT BAD GUYS. Principals and the members of school boards have the safety and best interests of their teachers and students at heart, but are prepared to err on the side of caution if in doubt. They don't want to be seen as responsible if for any reason "things go wrong." However, doubts and liability fears are easily addressed.
   
   
2. EMPHASIZE EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF OVERSEAS TRAVEL.  Let's not forget why we're doing this: it is to provide to our young people a truly "broadband" education which will invigorate them professionally, expand their horizons, and make the world a safer place. Very important goals these days. These goals are shared by school administrators.

   

3. EMPHASIZE RELATIVE SAFETY OF OVERSEAS TRAVEL. The exciting capital cities of Western Europe and all but a handful of trouble spots worldwide are no less safe than New York City, or Washington, D.C., and maybe safer. If it's a trouble spot, the U.S. government will tell you so, and you won't go there. Absent such a "travel warning," there's no compelling reason to stay at home. 
   
   
4. MAKE REFERENCE TO THE COMPANY/CLIENT AGREEMENT WHICH HOLDS ADMINISTRATORS HARMLESS. Most travel companies have terms and conditions, agreed to in advance by the travelers and by their families, which exonerate chaperones and district personnel from legal responsibility. Point it out to your principal or school board. The following language is typical, and very helpful when it comes to calming jitters:

   • 10.  If my tour is being sponsored by my school, school board, school district, individual school administrator, or local municipality, I will be notified of this fact in writing. Otherwise, I understand that my program is not officially sponsored by any of these groups or individuals, even though my school may allow the use of school premises for planning the tour. I hereby and expressly waive all claims against any such groups or individuals from any events relating to or arising out of the tour.

   It's words like these that make district personnel breathe easier.
   
   

5. MAKE REFERENCE TO THE COMPANY INSURANCE POLICY WHICH SPECIFICALLY NAMES SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS AS INSURED. Things sometimes do go wrong, and the additional protection of a company liability insurance policy which specifically names chaperones and district personnel as insured is always welcome. Make sure your travel company has one. Talk about it with your principal and your school board.
   
   
6. CITE AVAILABILITY OF TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE FOR CLIENTS. No one likes to pay cancellation penalties if for some reason trips can't go. However, there are inexpensive insurance policies purchasable by the traveler which greatly reduce this exposure. Make sure your people have access to such insurance coverage, and that your school administrators know this. 
   
   
7. EMPHASIZE THE NEED TO LET THE FAMILIES DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES. No school administrator wants to interfere with the decision of well-informed parents to let their son or daughter see London for the first time, or Paris. Just so long as all the information is there, and just so long as the administrator has asked all the right questions. That's the administrator's job, after all. The rest is up to you, to the kids, and to their families.